Retired senior officers of Nigeria’s paramilitary services have commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a lifetime salary structure for top-ranking officers, describing the policy as a historic step toward addressing longstanding welfare concerns in the sector.
The endorsement came on Wednesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by former Controller-Generals and Deputy Controller-Generals of key agencies to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The delegation, which included retired officers from the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service, and the Nigerian Correctional Service, was led by former Comptroller-General of the NIS, Chukwura Udeh.
Udeh said the President’s decision had brought relief to many retirees who endured years of uncertainty and financial hardship following their exit from service. He noted that previous administrations had failed to resolve the issue, leaving senior officers without adequate post-retirement support.
According to him, the newly approved structure goes beyond policy reform, representing recognition of sacrifice and a reassurance that national service will not end in hardship.
“Kindly convey our deep appreciation to Mr President. What was treated as a simple approval today subjected many of us to years of suffering in the past,” he said.
Responding, Tunji-Ojo said the administration places high priority on the welfare of security personnel, stressing that nation-building extends beyond infrastructure to include the well-being of those who protect it.
He explained that the government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda is focused on improving the living conditions of both serving and retired officers, adding that no personnel should retire into poverty after years of meritorious service.
“The President does not consider your welfare a mere slogan but a duty. You have given the best years of your lives to Nigeria; the country must, in return, stand by you,” the minister said.
Tunji-Ojo also highlighted ongoing reforms within the paramilitary services, including the clearance of promotion backlogs and the conduct of promotion examinations across agencies.
He said the measures have boosted morale, enabling officers to progress in their careers with greater certainty and serve with renewed professionalism.
The visit reflects growing confidence among retired personnel that recent policy interventions by the Federal Government are beginning to address systemic welfare challenges within Nigeria’s paramilitary system.
