Tinubu Approves Lifetime Salary for Retired Senior Government Officers
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a historic policy granting lifetime salary benefits to senior officers retiring from key positions within the Ministry of Interior, a move aimed at enhancing the welfare of Nigeria’s dedicated public servants. Announced by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the 2025 Ministerial Retreat on August 28, the policy targets officers at the rank of Deputy Controller, Comptroller, or Commandant-General and above in agencies like the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, and Federal Fire Service.
This initiative, part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, seeks to ensure that retirees who have served with distinction maintain financial stability post-service.The new policy is a significant step toward recognizing the sacrifices of senior paramilitary officers, who often face demanding roles in ensuring national security and efficient service delivery.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the lifetime salary benefit is designed to prevent retirees from slipping into poverty, aligning with President Tinubu’s vision for a motivated and resilient workforce. The minister expressed gratitude to the President for his unwavering support, noting that the policy complements other welfare reforms, such as the recent clearance of promotion backlogs for over 50,000 officers and the introduction of a performance-based promotion system.To further strengthen the capacity of interior agencies, the Ministry is developing new training manuals and constructing a world-class Fire Academy modeled after leading global institutions like the Arizona Fire Academy. These efforts aim to enhance professionalism and operational efficiency while prioritizing mental health and workplace wellness for officers. The lifetime salary policy is expected to boost morale and retention in the public sector, particularly amid economic challenges and the ongoing brain drain affecting Nigeria’s workforce.
However, public reactions to the policy are mixed, with some praising it as a deserved reward for senior officers’ dedication, while others question its fiscal sustainability given Nigeria’s economic constraints. Posts across social media highlight concerns about prioritizing resources for high-ranking officials while broader issues, like the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, remain unresolved. Nevertheless, the policy has been hailed as a bold incentive for career progression and a testament to the administration’s commitment to improving civil service welfare.
Effective immediately, the Ministry of Interior will collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure the smooth implementation of the lifetime salary benefits. This policy follows other welfare measures under President Tinubu’s administration, including pension backlog clearances and enhanced retirement packages for senior military officers.
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