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. This decision has been described as a long-overdue recognition of service and was positively received by retired heads of these agencies during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja on Wednesday.
Chukwura Udeh, the retired Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, led the delegation that expressed their gratitude for the approval. He noted that this decision had been a persistent demand across multiple administrations, stating, “This issue made us see hell.” Udeh emphasized that previous ministers had neglected this effort and urged Minister Tunji-Ojo to convey their appreciation to President Tinubu.
In response, Minister Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed that the welfare of uniformed personnel is a top priority for the administration. He stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that no officer retires into poverty after years of dedicated service, stating, “We must never allow you, in your old age, to regret the decisions of your youthful age to serve Nigeria.” The minister also highlighted broader reforms within the ministry, such as clearing promotion arrears and conducting promotion examinations across the agencies. He noted that these initiatives have boosted morale and enabled officers to plan their careers with greater certainty.
Among those present at the meeting were retired NSCDC Commandant-General Abdullahi Gana and former Federal Fire Service Controller-General Abdulganiyu Jaji. The approval of the lifetime salary structure is seen as part of a broader effort to improve conditions for Nigeria’s security and civil service personnel, both in active duty and retirement.
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