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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has approved the continuation of salary payments for up to 12 months to the families of personnel who die in the line of duty.
The welfare initiative was approved by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, as part of efforts to strengthen support for the families of fallen service members.
A senior NAF official who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed the development on Sunday in Abuja. According to the source, the policy allows the spouses or next of kin of Air Force personnel killed in action to continue receiving their salaries after their death.
He explained that under existing public service rules, salary payments typically stop immediately after the death of a personnel member. However, the new policy will allow salaries to continue for up to 12 months from the date of death, or until all death benefits and entitlements are fully processed and paid, whichever comes first.
The official said the initiative is designed to cushion the financial impact on bereaved families during the period it takes to complete administrative procedures related to death benefits.
He added that the Chief of the Air Staff has also approved additional welfare packages for officers, airmen and airwomen of the service.
“These measures are aimed at cushioning the prevailing economic pressures and reinforcing the NAF’s commitment to the wellbeing of its personnel.
“These initiatives form part of a broader welfare reform agenda anchored on the understanding that the wellbeing of personnel and their families is a strategic enabler of combat effectiveness.
“Enhanced welfare drives effective warfare, ensuring that no airman is left unequipped, untrained or unmotivated,” the source said.
The official further noted that the initiative underscores the Air Force’s commitment to honouring the sacrifices of personnel who lose their lives in service while ensuring their families receive the support they deserve.
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