By Attah Ede
President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, approved lifetime salary benefits for senior officers retiring from key positions within the Ministry of Interior.
The development entails a significant enhancement in post-retirement welfare for dedicated public servants.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed while speaking at the 2025 Ministerial Retreat held on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
The minister who used the occasion to highlight the President Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda so far, said the ministry has been able to clear a long-standing backlog of promotions for over 50,000 officers in the past two years.
He added that the policy was targeted at retiring officers of the rank of Deputy Comptroller, Comptroller, or Commandant-General and above, ensuring they continue to receive their full salaries for life after retirement.
According to the Minister, the policy was a major boost to officers’ welfare as the initiative aims to recognize the sacrifices and long-term contributions of these high-ranking officials in agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, and the Federal Fire Service.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering support, stressing that the moves aligns with the government’s commitment to strengthening institutional performance and capacity across all interior agencies.
“We have successfully cleared the long-standing backlog of promotions,” Tunji-Ojo noted, adding that future promotions will be based on a new performance-driven system emphasizing capacity and merit.
He also revealed plans for institutional enhancements, such as the development of new training manuals and the ongoing construction of a world-class Fire Academy modeled after leading international institutions like the Arizona Fire Academy.
Furthermore, the minister underscored the ministry’s focus on mental health support for officers, assuring full backing in this vital area to foster a healthier and more resilient workforce.
The lifetime salary policy is expected to serve as a powerful incentive for career progression and retention in the civil service, particularly amid economic pressures and the ongoing brain drain in public sectors.
Stakeholders, including union leaders and retired officers, have hailed the decision as a long-overdue recognition of service, potentially reducing financial hardships in retirement and encouraging more professionals to pursue senior roles without fear of post-service insecurity.
This move builds on President Tinubu’s broader welfare reforms, such as recent pension backlog clearances and minimum wage adjustments, reflecting a holistic approach to improving the livelihoods of public sector workers and retirees.
The retreat concluded with a reaffirmation of the ministry’s dedication to the Renewed Hope Agenda, with Dr. Tunji-Ojo calling on all agencies to redouble efforts in service delivery for the benefit of Nigerians.
