Tinubu Approves Lifetime Salary for Retiring Senior Interior Officers

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has unveiled a new policy approved by President Bola Tinubu that provides lifetime salary benefits for senior officers retiring from the rank of Deputy Controller, Comptroller, or Commandant-General and above. This significant welfare boost was announced during the 2025 Ministerial Retreat, where the minister also highlighted the ministry’s achievements, including clearing a backlog of promotions for over 50,000 officers within two years and instituting a new performance-based promotion system. Additionally, Dr. Tunji-Ojo revealed that the ministry is developing new training manuals and constructing a world-class Fire Academy designed to compete globally, such as with the Arizona Fire Academy. The minister also emphasized mental health support for officers and encouraged the Federal Fire Service to pursue private sector partnerships to modernize firefighting operations in Nigeria .

Policy Details and President Tinubu’s Approval

The policy guarantees lifetime salary benefits for senior officers retiring at a minimum rank of Deputy Controller or higher. It was formally approved by President Bola Tinubu and is seen as part of broader initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda targeted at enhancing the welfare of officers under the Ministry of Interior, which includes the Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Nigerian Correctional Service .

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Ministry Achievements and Officer Welfare

• Over 50,000 officers have been promoted within the last two years, with future promotions based on a new system emphasizing capacity and performance rather than seniority alone.
• The ministry prioritizes welfare, acknowledging the sacrifices officers make and committing to consistent and equitable officer progression.
• This welfare focus aligns with other government efforts to ensure promotions and payments are seen as rights, not favors .

Fire Academy and Training Improvements

• A world-class Fire Academy is under construction, expected to be the most sophisticated in West Africa, matching international standards like the Arizona Fire Academy.
• New training manuals have been developed for officers across the ministry to enhance institutional capacity.
• The academy will feature modern facilities including well-equipped training centers, gyms, and clinics to improve service delivery .

Mental Health and Sector Partnerships

Dr. Tunji-Ojo highlighted the importance of mental health support for officers, promising full ministry backing in this critical area. He also urged the Federal Fire Service to build partnerships with the private sector to enhance infrastructure, service delivery, and modernization of operations nationwide .