By Ekunkonye Junior, Abuja
The Minister of Federal Ministry of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to improving the welfare, financial security, and overall wellbeing of its officers and personnel.
In a press statement from Mary Ali, Head of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, this commitment was made during a courtesy visit by Abubakar Abdullahi Kure, CEO of NIRSAL, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
While expressing appreciation for the visit and the ongoing collaboration, the Minister emphasized the importance of creating innovative support structures that will help officers build sustainable livelihoods during service and after retirement.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo noted that many public officers face significant financial challenges towards the end of their service years, due to inadequate planning and limited access to capital.
He stressed that the Ministry must begin to rethink welfare models to ensure that officers retire in comfort and dignity rather than hardship.
The Minister highlighted the need for tailor-made, agency-specific financial packages including accessible credit facilities, cooperative investment opportunities, and special schemes for housing, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and other legitimate ventures allowed under the law.
He added that nothing in public service regulations prevents officers from investing their personal resources responsibly, provided such ventures do not interfere with official duties or involve misuse of government resources.
The Minister encouraged agencies to partner with reputable institutions to design programs with lower interest rates, flexible repayment plans, and customized support for officers who want to prepare for life after service.
However, NIRSAL’s CEO, Abubakar Abdullahi Kure, reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Ministry of Interior, aiming to enhance service delivery and support government operations.
Kure highlighted NIRSAL’s potential to bolster the Ministry’s effectiveness, citing over ₦600 billion in transactions across various industries and a network of over 150 branches equipped with experienced personnel and robust systems, offering tailored financial solutions to the Ministry’s vendors, contractors, and staff.
