The Retired Director, Employment and Wages at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE), Mrs. Gloria Oghifo, has expressed support for the Federal Government’s newly introduced lifetime salary policy for senior-ranking public officers, describing it as fair and well-deserved.
In an exclusive interview with Anchor News Online, Oghifo said that the initiative represents a just recognition of the years of service, education, and responsibility borne by high-ranking officers.
“All hands are not equal,” she said. “Some people have paid the price to study, research, and work hard to reach certain levels. If the reward for their efforts is a lifetime salary, lower-ranking officers shouldn’t feel bad about it.”
Anchor News Online recalls that the policy was announced by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the 2025 Ministerial Retreat in Abuja. The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Federal Fire Service and signed by DCF P.O. Abraham, the National Public Relations Officer and Head of Corporate Services.
Under the policy, officers retiring at the rank of Deputy Controller, Comptroller, or Commandant-General will continue to receive remuneration after retirement.
According to the minister, the initiative aims to strengthen institutional performance, boost career motivation, and reduce post-retirement hardship among 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 Tinubu,” the statement read.
Speaking from the standpoint of wage policy and labour equity, Oghifo noted that while every worker contributes to national development, compensation structures must reflect differing levels of responsibility, experience, and sacrifice.
“If you push the narrative that every rank must be rewarded the same, you risk discouraging those who go the extra mile,” she added. “But that does not mean the lower ranks are unimportant — everyone’s contribution has value.”
Oghifo, who was directly involved in employment and wage management at the federal level, further stressed that transparency and accountability should guide the policy’s implementation to prevent abuse or politicisation.
“The government must ensure fairness in the implementation. This should not become a tool for favouritism,” she cautioned.
