The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced a new policy that grants lifetime salary benefits to senior officers retiring from the rank of Deputy Controller, Comptroller, or Commandant-General and above.
The policy, which marks a significant step in improving officer welfare, was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo made the announcement on Thursday during the 2025 Ministerial Retreat, where he highlighted the achievements of the ministry and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening institutional performance across all its agencies.
The development was contained in a statement signed by DCF PO Abraham, NPRO/Head of Corporate Services of the Federal Fire Service, after the retreat.
“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.
The minister expressed profound appreciation to the President for his unwavering support, noting that all agencies under the Interior Ministry are already benefitting from the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He disclosed that the ministry had successfully cleared a long-standing backlog of promotions, with over 50,000 officers promoted in the last two years. Going forward, promotions will be determined through a new system based on capacity and performance.
As part of institutional reforms, Dr. Tunji-Ojo revealed that new training manuals have been developed, while the construction of a world-class Fire Academy is underway. The academy is designed to compete with top international institutions such as the Arizona Fire Academy.
The minister further stressed the importance of mental health in the workplace, assuring officers of the ministry’s full support in this critical area.
He also charged the Federal Fire Service to seek partnerships with the private sector, stressing that such collaborations are vital to boosting service delivery, developing infrastructure, and modernising firefighting operations in Nigeria.
ADEOLA KUNLE
