Abuja: The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a new welfare initiative that will ensure the continuation of salary payments for up to 12 months to the families of personnel who die while serving. This initiative is part of a broader effort to provide enhanced support to the families of fallen personnel.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, approved the measure, which was disclosed by a credible NAF source on the condition of anonymity. The policy is designed to ease the financial burden on the families by extending salary payments to the spouses or next of kin of NAF personnel killed in action.
Typically, salary payments are terminated immediately upon the death of personnel, as per existing public service rules. However, with this new initiative, salaries will continue for up to 12 months from the date of death, or until all death benefits are completely processed and disbursed, whichever comes first. This will help alleviate any financial difficulties faced by bereaved families during the often lengthy administrative process of receiving death benefits.
The source further revealed that additional welfare packages have been approved for the officers, airmen, and airwomen of the service. These measures are intended to cushion the economic pressures and underscore NAF’s dedication to the welfare of its personnel. The initiative is part of a broader welfare reform agenda that recognizes the wellbeing of personnel and their families as crucial for maintaining combat readiness and effectiveness.
‘Enhanced welfare drives effective warfare, ensuring that no airman is left unequipped, untrained, or unmotivated,’ the source noted. The new measures reaffirm the NAF’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices of its fallen heroes, supporting their families, and maintaining a motivated and mission-ready force.