Nigerian Air Force to Pay Salaries for Fallen Personnel

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has initiated a new policy that permits families of personnel who die in the line of duty to continue receiving their salaries for a period of up to 12 months following the death. This decision was approved by Chief Air Staff Sundai Anek and aims to strengthen welfare support for the families of fallen service members.

A senior NAF official, speaking anonymously, explained that while public service rules typically halt salary payments immediately upon the death of personnel, this new initiative ensures that salaries will continue for 12 months from the date of death until the full processing of death benefits is completed. This policy comes amid increasing concerns regarding the risks faced by Nigerian military personnel deployed in counter-insurgency operations, which have seen rising casualties.

The government has implemented several support measures for the families of fallen personnel, including a pledge to provide housing and a recent approval of N18 billion for group life assurance benefits for families of Nigerian Armed Forces personnel who die in the line of duty.