Tinubu approves lifetime salary for retiring senior officers – Interior Minister

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced a new policy that guarantees lifetime salary benefits for senior officers retiring from the rank of Deputy Controller, Comptroller, or Commandant-General and above.

The welfare initiative, described as a major incentive for senior officers, was approved by President Bola Tinubu, the minister disclosed on Thursday at the 2025 Ministerial Retreat, where he highlighted the ministry’s achievements and outlined plans to strengthen institutional capacity across its agencies.

According to a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer and Head, Corporate Services of the Federal Fire Service, DCF PO Abraham, the policy underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of security and paramilitary personnel.

“In recognition of the welfare of senior officers, the minister announced that any officer retiring from the rank of Deputy Controller/Comptroller/Commandant-General will now receive lifetime salary benefits, a policy graciously approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement read.

Tunji-Ojo expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his support, affirming that agencies under the Ministry of Interior are benefiting from the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also disclosed that the ministry had cleared a long-standing backlog of promotions, with more than 50,000 officers promoted in the last two years. Going forward, promotions will be tied to capacity and performance, in line with ongoing reforms.

As part of efforts to enhance institutional performance, the minister revealed that new training manuals have been developed and announced the construction of a world-class Fire Academy, designed to rival top global institutions such as the Arizona Fire Academy.

Tunji-Ojo further stressed the importance of mental health support for officers and assured that the ministry would continue to prioritise their well-being.

In addition, he urged the Federal Fire Service to embrace public-private partnerships to improve service delivery, upgrade infrastructure, and modernise firefighting operations across the country.