BREAKING: FG Approves Lifetime Salary Benefits for Retiring Service Chiefs

FG has approved a lifetime salary benefits for retiring Service Chiefs.

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Federal Government has approved a new welfare policy granting lifetime salary benefits to senior officers retiring from the ranks of Deputy Controller, Comptroller, or Commandant-General.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the 2025 Ministerial Retreat in Abuja, according to a statement by the Federal Fire Service signed by DCF PO Abraham, NPRO/Head of Corporate Services.

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“In recognition of the welfare of senior officers, any officer retiring from the rank of Deputy Controller, Comptroller, or Commandant-General will now receive lifetime salary benefits, a policy graciously approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement read.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo noted that the policy takes effect immediately and reflects the administration’s commitment to improving institutional performance and officer welfare. He also highlighted that over 50,000 officers have been promoted in the past two years, clearing a long-standing backlog.

Capacity Building and Infrastructure

The Minister revealed that training manuals have been developed to enhance professionalism and capacity building. Work has also commenced on a world-class Fire Academy, designed to meet global standards and rival leading institutions like the Arizona Fire Academy.

He added that future promotions will be based strictly on capacity and performance, rather than seniority alone, and emphasized the importance of mental health as part of the Ministry’s welfare framework.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo called for collaboration with the private sector to modernize firefighting operations nationwide, stressing that the reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda are already improving institutional performance across agencies under the Ministry of Interior.

Recall that last year, the Federal Government approved a 25% to 35% salary increase for civil servants across key salary structures, including CONPSS, CONPOSS, and CONPASS, to improve welfare amid rising living costs.

In August 2025, the government also implemented a pension increase for federal retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), providing an additional ₦32,000 monthly pension following the approval of a ₦758 billion bond to settle outstanding pension liabilities.