President Tinubu Approves Lifetime Salaries For Retiring Senior Officers, Says Interior Minister.
Lagos, Nigeria – 28 August 2025 – President Bola Tinubu has approved a groundbreaking policy to provide lifetime salary benefits for retiring senior officers in Nigeria’s interior agencies, according to the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The announcement, described as a significant boost to officer welfare, was made during the 2025 Ministerial Retreat held on Thursday.
The policy targets senior officers retiring at the rank of Deputy Controller, Comptroller, Commandant-General, or above, ensuring they continue to receive their full salaries after retirement. This initiative, which applies to personnel from agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, and Federal Fire Service, underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of those who have dedicated their careers to public service.
Speaking at the retreat, Dr Tunji-Ojo expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering support, noting that the policy aligns with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “This is a testament to the President’s dedication to enhancing the lives of our officers, who have served the nation with distinction,” he said. The minister highlighted that the initiative aims to recognise the sacrifices and contributions of high-ranking officials, ensuring their financial security post-retirement.
In addition to the lifetime salary policy, Dr Tunji-Ojo outlined other achievements of the Ministry of Interior. He revealed that over 50,000 officers across its agencies have been promoted in the past two years, clearing a long-standing backlog. “We have introduced a new system where officer progression will be based on capacity and performance, ensuring fairness and meritocracy,” he stated. The minister also announced the development of new training manuals and the ongoing construction of a world-class Fire Academy, designed to rival leading international institutions like the Arizona Fire Academy.
Dr Tunji-Ojo further encouraged the Federal Fire Service to pursue private-sector partnerships to enhance service delivery, modernise firefighting operations, and improve infrastructure. He also emphasised the ministry’s focus on mental health, assuring officers of comprehensive support to address workplace challenges.
The announcement has been met with widespread approval from stakeholders, who view it as a vital step towards improving morale and rewarding dedication within Nigeria’s interior agencies. The policy is expected to set a precedent for other sectors, reflecting the government’s broader commitment to public sector welfare reforms, including recent pension backlog clearances and minimum wage adjustments.
As Nigeria continues to navigate economic challenges, this initiative is seen as a bold move to secure the financial future of its retiring senior officers while fostering institutional excellence across the Ministry of Interior.