President Bola Tinubu has approved a lifetime salary structure for retired senior officers of Nigeria’s four paramilitary agencies—the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service, and Nigerian Correctional Service. The move, described as a long-overdue recognition of service, was welcomed by retired heads of these agencies during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja on Wednesday.
The retired Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Chukwura Udeh, led the delegation in expressing gratitude, noting that the approval had been a persistent demand across multiple administrations. “This issue made us see hell,” Udeh said, adding that previous ministers had abandoned the effort. He urged the minister to convey their appreciation to President Tinubu.
In response, Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the welfare of uniformed personnel remains a top priority for the administration. He highlighted that the government is committed to ensuring that no officer retires into poverty after years of dedicated service. “We must never allow you, in your old age, to regret the decisions of your youthful age to serve Nigeria,” he stated.
The minister also pointed to broader reforms within the ministry, including the clearance of promotion arrears and the conduct of promotion examinations across the agencies. He noted that these measures have boosted morale and allowed officers to plan their careers with greater certainty.
Among those present were retired NSCDC Commandant-General Abdullahi Gana and former Federal Fire Service Controller-General Abdulganiyu Jaji. The approval is seen as part of a wider effort to improve conditions for Nigeria’s security and civil service personnel, both in active duty and retirement.
