The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has approved a new welfare policy that will allow the families of personnel who die in the line of duty to continue receiving their salaries for up to 12 months after their death.
The initiative, approved by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, is aimed at supporting bereaved families and preventing financial hardship while death benefits are being processed.
A credible NAF source disclosed the development on Sunday in Abuja, explaining that the policy allows spouses or next of kin of fallen personnel to receive salary payments for up to one year from the date of death, or until all death benefits are fully processed and paid.
The source said the move forms part of efforts by the Air Force leadership to strengthen welfare support for the families of personnel who lose their lives during operations.
Speaking on the development, the source, who asked not to be named, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the policy was introduced to cushion the impact of losing a loved one who died while serving the country.
He explained that under existing public service rules, salary payments usually cease immediately after a service member dies.
“However, this special initiative approved by the Chief of the Air Staff will ensure that the salaries of personnel killed in the line of duty continue for up to 12 months from the date of death, or until all death benefits are paid, whichever comes first,” he said.
According to him, the policy is designed to prevent financial hardship for families during the period when administrative processes for death benefits are still ongoing.
The source also revealed that Air Marshal Aneke had approved additional welfare packages for officers, airmen and airwomen as part of broader efforts to improve the wellbeing of personnel.
“These measures are aimed at cushioning the prevailing economic pressures and reinforcing the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to the wellbeing of its personnel,” he said.
He added that the welfare initiatives form part of a wider reform agenda focused on strengthening operational efficiency through better support for military personnel and their families.
“Enhanced welfare drives effective warfare, ensuring that no airman is left unequipped, untrained or unmotivated,” the source said.
He further noted that the initiative reflects the Air Force’s resolve to honour the sacrifices of fallen personnel, support the families they left behind, and maintain a motivated and mission-ready force.
