August 6, 2025 – The Nigeria Police Force has raised concerns over an increasing trend of lobbying and unofficial requests for special promotions by some officers.

According to a press release issued on 07 August 2025 by the Force Headquarters in Abuja, this sudden rise in lobbying efforts followed the recent approval of accelerated promotions for selected officers, which some media platforms reportedly misrepresented.

The statement clarified that the accelerated promotions were not random. “These accelerated promotions were not arbitrary but were part of a well-structured reward system, set up by the police leadership, aimed at recognizing officers who have demonstrated outstanding performance, uncommon bravery, professional excellence, and commitment to duty,” the statement said. Only officers who met the strict, standardized criteria were approved for advancement.

The Force also addressed public misinformation, warning against a misleading narrative pushed by a specific online platform.

“In light of recent misleading reports sponsored by a particular online platform suggesting that the Police Force has initiated arbitrary promotions, the Nigeria Police Force firmly cautions the public to disregard such falsehoods,” the release stated. It described such publications as baseless and an attempt to cast doubt on the credibility of the Police promotion system.

The Police emphasized its unwavering stance on transparency and merit-based advancement. “The NPF remains committed to transparency, merit, and due process in all personnel decisions,” the release added, reinforcing the principle of fair reward for service without external influence.

The Force also warned serving officers against lobbying. “Officers are strongly cautioned against lobbying or attempting to influence the promotion process through unofficial means,” the statement read.

It noted that such actions are unethical and contradict the core values of the Force, warning that offenders would face serious disciplinary measures in line with existing laws.

“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to a promotion system anchored on integrity, verifiable merit, and honourable service to the nation,” the release concluded, calling on all officers to remain disciplined and committed to their duties.

The Federal Government has described the Revised National Employment Policy (NEP) as a vital part of its plan to reduce poverty and create more job opportunities in Nigeria.

This was made known by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, during the official launch of the Revised National Employment Policy 2025 in Abuja on Tuesday. He explained that the updated policy is aimed at offering bold, inclusive, and forward-thinking solutions to Nigeria’s employment issues.

Dingyadi said, “The revised policy offers a bold, inclusive and future-fit solution to the nation’s employment challenges.” He stressed that the NEP will help build a labour market that supports inclusive growth, fairness, productivity, and sustainability for all Nigerians.

The Minister highlighted that the review of the policy became necessary due to rising levels of youth unemployment, underemployment, informal sector growth, gender gaps, and regional job differences across the country. He also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic made these issues even more visible and urgent.

He said, “The recent COVID-19 pandemic further exposed Nigeria’s vulnerabilities, and the need for proactive, adaptive, and progressive employment policies.” Dingyadi pointed out that other global factors like automation, climate change, digitisation, demographic changes, and political instability have made it important to shift away from outdated methods and adopt modern strategies.

He added, “The NEP 2025 is not a stand-alone policy. It is a strategic compass aligned with Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2021–2025), ECOWAS Labour and Employment Protocols, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the International Labour Organisation’s Future of Work Initiative.”

Dingyadi explained that the new employment policy is in full support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “At the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda is a national commitment to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty through job creation, youth empowerment, enterprise development, digital innovation, and inclusive growth,” he said.

He added that the policy would help achieve these aims by improving access to decent work, formalising informal jobs, improving people’s skills, and supporting fast-growing sectors with high job potential.

The Minister stated that employment is not just an economic target but a means of achieving social justice, peace, and long-term growth.

He said the NEP gives a clear direction for all job-related programmes under the current administration and encourages collaboration among government bodies to ensure goals are met. It also ensures that youth, women, and people with disabilities are not left behind.

According to Dingyadi, the updated NEP includes measurable targets and a timeline to help track progress and make sure the policies are implemented effectively. He added that the policy also looks into modern sectors of the economy.

“The NEP 2025 significantly recognises the evolving shape of the Nigerian economy, integrating emerging sectors such as the Digital Economy, Blue Economy, Green Economy, and Orange Economy,” he said.

He also pointed out that the policy supports remote work. “The Policy also recognises Remote Work (Telework) as an increasingly viable and flexible mode of employment, especially for persons with disabilities, women with care responsibilities, and others facing mobility constraints.”

The Minister urged all stakeholders to join hands to make the NEP work. He said this would require political commitment, stable funding, strong institutions, and effective partnerships. He encouraged state governments to adopt the policy and adjust their job creation plans to match the national direction.

Finally, Dingyadi called on the private sector to work together with the government to develop skills training programs that respond to the real needs of the labour market.

August 7, 2025 – The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has made it clear that it has not started shortlisting candidates for any of the four paramilitary agencies under its supervision.

This announcement comes in response to viral messages on social media falsely claiming that a shortlist has already been released.

In an official statement, the Board said, “Dear Applicants, we are yet to commence shortlisting. The portal is still collecting applications until Monday 11th August 2025. Please note that the recruitment process is absolutely FREE at all stages. Beware of fraudsters.”

A fake email message has been making rounds, falsely informing applicants that they have been shortlisted. The fraudulent message reads:

“ATTN: Prospective Employee, You have been shortlisted as a suitable candidate after a review of your CV/application submitted recently, your name and academic discipline has been recorded successfully and this is solely sent to you for your replacement job vacancy at the CDCFIB and your consultancy clearance would determine your posting letter for employment at any of the four (4) agencies.”

The scammers then ask for a payment of ₦1,250.00, claiming it is a federal government consultancy clearance fee. The message continues:

“You are expected to make your consultancy clearance as a revenue to the federal government at the sum of NGN1,250.00 (One Thousand Two Hundred And Fifty Naira Only) with the ‘Federal Government Human Resource Consultant’ for your posting and provisional offer of appointment at the CDCFIB from an illustrative attachment: (Click Here) as your clearance of employment at the CDCFIB.”

Applicants are warned not to pay any money, as the message is fake.

The email even adds, “Note that your posting letter for the job purpose at any suitable agency of the CDCFIB is going to come up 2 weeks after the successful verification of your application and clearances made.”

The CDCFIB has advised applicants to ignore such messages and wait for official updates. It confirmed that when the official CDCFIB shortlisted candidates list for 2025 is ready, applicants will be notified through proper government communication channels.