The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced a new welfare policy that grants lifetime salary benefits to senior officers retiring from the rank of Deputy Controller, Comptroller, or Commandant-General and above.

The policy, which marks a major boost to officers’ welfare, received the approval of President Bola Tinubu.

Tunji-Ojo made the disclosure on Thursday at the 2025 Ministerial Retreat, where he reviewed the ministry’s achievements and restated its commitment to strengthening institutional performance across all agencies.

According to a statement signed by DCF P.O. Abraham, NPRO/Head of Corporate Services of the Federal Fire Service, the minister conveyed his gratitude to the President for backing the initiative.

“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 read.

Highlighting key reforms, Tunji-Ojo said the ministry had cleared the backlog of promotions that had stalled for years.

“We have successfully cleared the long-standing backlog of promotions,” he stated, noting that more than 50,000 officers had been promoted within the last two years.

He added that promotions going forward would be based on capacity and performance.

The minister further disclosed that new training manuals had been developed and that work was underway on a world-class Fire Academy, designed to rival leading institutions such as the Arizona Fire Academy.

He also stressed the ministry’s focus on the mental well-being of officers.

“The importance of mental health in the workplace cannot be overstated,” he said, assuring personnel of full support in this area.

Tunji-Ojo charged the Federal Fire Service to deepen private sector partnerships, emphasising that collaboration was vital for improving service delivery, developing infrastructure, and modernising firefighting operations across the country. (Nigerian Tribune)