President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a groundbreaking welfare initiative for the nation’s security architecture by instituting a lifetime salary package for retiring senior officers, according to the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The announcement, which has drawn wide attention across military and paramilitary circles, was made during an official engagement where the minister explained the federal government’s renewed commitment to prioritizing the welfare of men and women who have dedicated their lives to the service of the country.
A Bold Move to Motivate the Ranks
Tunji-Ojo explained that President Tinubu’s directive was part of his broader reform agenda to ensure that officers who have served diligently in various arms of the security and paramilitary services—such as the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Correctional Service, and Federal Fire Service—do not face neglect after retirement.
He described the package as a way of recognizing sacrifices made by officers who often risk their lives for national peace, order, and security. “Mr. President has given his approval that senior officers, upon retirement, will continue to earn a lifetime salary. This decision is not just about welfare but also about motivating active personnel to give their very best,” the minister noted.
Addressing Years of Neglect
For decades, welfare of security operatives, especially post-retirement, has been a subject of criticism and public debate. Many officers who retire after years of active service often fall into financial hardship, lacking adequate pension benefits or social support systems. This, according to Tunji-Ojo, will now become a thing of the past under the Renewed Hope administration.
“The President has made it clear that no officer who has served this nation diligently should live in fear of poverty after service. This package will restore dignity to the uniform and ensure that our officers know the country values their sacrifices,” Tunji-Ojo stressed.
Boost to Morale and National Security
Analysts say the move could have a significant impact on boosting morale within the armed and paramilitary forces. With rising insecurity challenges in parts of the country, the new policy is seen as an incentive to enhance loyalty, discipline, and commitment among personnel.
By guaranteeing lifetime financial stability, the government aims to attract and retain some of the country’s brightest talents in service, while reducing the temptation for corrupt practices that sometimes arise from fears about life after retirement.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
The announcement has been met with mixed reactions from different stakeholders. While many security officers and their families have welcomed the development as historic, some critics have raised questions about funding and sustainability, especially given Nigeria’s current fiscal constraints.
Civil society organizations have also called for transparency in the implementation process, warning against limiting the benefits to a select few or creating unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks.
Tunji-Ojo, however, reassured Nigerians that the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the Office of the Head of Service and other relevant agencies, is working on a detailed framework for smooth execution. “This is not a mere pronouncement. It is a policy shift backed by presidential approval, and we will ensure it is implemented fairly and efficiently,” he stated.
A Step Toward Comprehensive Welfare Reform
Beyond the lifetime salary scheme, the federal government has hinted at broader reforms aimed at strengthening the welfare of both serving and retired officers. These include improved housing schemes, enhanced pension management, and access to healthcare facilities tailored for security operatives.
The move, observers note, aligns with Tinubu’s promise of a “Renewed Hope” agenda—one that emphasizes fairness, reward for hard work, and dignity for those who have defended the nation’s integrity.
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