Thursday, June 4, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

FG okays life salary for senior paramilitary officers

FG

Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo,

From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja

Federal Government has approved a lifetime salary structure for senior officers of the services, following which the personnel yesterday, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu. 

Those affected include Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Fire Service (FFS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

The retired paramilitary agencies – Controllers/Commandants/Comptrollers General (CGs) and Deputy CGs, paid a visit to the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja.

In a statement, Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to the Minister of Interior, Babatunde Alao, said that NIS retired Comptroller-General, Chukwura Udeh, who led the team, said that the essence of the visit was to show appreciation to Tinubu through Tunji-Ojo.

The retired NIS CG said that the lifetime salary approval had been a long-time issue that had lingered in previous administrations.

“On our behalf, kindly extend our appreciation to Mr President because this issue that was approved like it is nothing made us see hell.

“We were abandoned half way by other ministers but we will always remember that you have helped humanity,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo appreciated the retired personnel for their years of committed service to the nation, emphasising that the wellbeing and welfare of men in uniform remains a top priority to President Bola Tinubu.

“Mr President believes in renewed hope and that it should be a way of life and you don’t just build a nation by building infrastructure but by building the people.

“He does not see your welfare as a slogan but a way of life; it is the least of what you deserve because you have sacrificed the better part of your years.

“We must never allow you in your old age to regret the decisions of your youthful age to serve Nigeria,” he said.

He said that no officer is allowed to retire poor after working tirelessly for the country, hence, the need to ensure the welfare of officers in retirement remained paramount.

“The service is not the way it used to be as it has never been this good for the paramilitary agencies as at now.

“Look at the pride in our men in uniform; they now wear their uniforms in pride and no longer get belittled,” the minister said.

He reiterated that the ministry had cleared backlogs of promotion, adding that promotion exams were recently carried out by officers and men across the agencies.

“People can now get to the right ranks at the right time and can predict their career growth which is very motivating. When you enter the service, you plan to give your best to the nation so the nation should be willing to give you its best,” he said.