The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced a new welfare policy granting lifetime salary benefits to senior officers retiring from the rank of Deputy Controller, Comptroller, or Commandant-General and above, following approval by President Bola Tinubu.
The policy, seen as a significant step toward improving officer welfare, received the approval of the President.
Announcing the development on Thursday at the 2025 Ministerial Retreat, the Minister highlighted the ministry’s achievements and restated its dedication to enhancing institutional performance and building capacity across all agencies.
This is contained in a statement signed by NPRO/Head, Corporate Services of the Federal Fire Service, DCF PO Abraham, on Thursday, following the retreat.
“In recognition of the welfare of senior officers, the minister announced that any officer retiring from the rank of Deputy Controller/ Comptroller /Commandant-General will now receive lifetime salary benefits, a policy graciously approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, the statement read.
In it, he conveyed the minister’s appreciation for the President’s support.
“The minister expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his unwavering support, affirming that all agencies under the Ministry of Interior are reaping the benefits of the Renewed Hope Agenda ,” the statement added.
“We have successfully cleared the long-standing backlog of promotions,” Tunji-Ojo stated, noting that over 50,000 officers have been promoted within the last two years alone.
He emphasised that in the future, officer progression will be determined by a new system based on capacity and performance.
In line with the ministry’s focus on institutional enhancement, Tunji-Ojo revealed “that new training manuals have been developed and that the construction of a world-class Fire Academy is now underway.”
The minister explained that the new academy is designed to meet global standards, with the aim of matching the quality of top institutions like the Arizona Fire Academy.
He further highlighted the importance of prioritising mental health in the workplace, assuring officers that the ministry remains fully committed to supporting their well-being in this vital area.
In addition, he urged the Federal Fire Service to actively pursue partnerships with the private sector, noting that such collaborations are essential for improving service delivery, strengthening infrastructure, and modernising firefighting operations across the country.
