
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sanctioned a comprehensive retirement package for Nigerian military service chiefs and generals, offering substantial benefits, including annual foreign medical allowances, luxury vehicles, domestic aides, and enhanced security arrangements.
Gists9ja reports that this policy, signed into law on December 14, 2024, falls under the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTCOS) for Officers and Enlisted Personnel in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Highlights of the Retirement Package
Service Chiefs and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
For the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs, the benefits include:
- Annual Medical Treatment: Up to $20,000 for foreign medical care, with service chiefs expected to enjoy even higher allowances.
- Luxury Vehicles:
- One bulletproof SUV or equivalent, maintained and replaced every four years.
- One Peugeot 508 or a comparable backup vehicle.
- Domestic Aides:
- Five aides, comprising two cooks, two stewards, and one gardener.
- A special assistant (ranked Lt./Capt. or equivalent) or a personal assistant (Warrant Officer or equivalent).
- Security and Escorts:
- An aide-de-camp (ADC) or security officer.
- Necessary escorts provided by military units as required.
- A nine-man standard guard unit for residential security.
- Other Privileges:
- Retention of military uniforms for ceremonial purposes.
- Retention of personal firearms, which will be retrieved upon the officer’s demise.
Lieutenant Generals and Equivalents
For officers of three-star rank:
- Vehicles: Two Toyota Hilux vehicles or one Toyota Land Cruiser.
- Medical Allowance: $20,000 annually for medical treatment within Nigeria and abroad.
- Domestic and Security Arrangements:
- Two cooks, two stewards, four residential guards, one orderly, and two service drivers.
Major Generals and Brigadier Generals
For senior officers with one- or two-star ranks:
- Vehicles:
- Major generals receive one Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent.
- Brigadier generals are entitled to a Toyota Camry or equivalent.
- Medical Allowance:
- $15,000 annually for major generals.
- $10,000 annually for brigadier generals.
- Domestic and Security Arrangements:
- Major generals: One cook, one steward, two residential guards, one orderly, and one service driver.
- Brigadier generals: One service driver, two residential guards, and one orderly.
Colonels and Their Equivalents
Colonels and equivalent ranks are entitled to more modest benefits:
- Vehicle: One Toyota Corolla or its equivalent.
- Medical Coverage: Free medical care within Nigeria.
The approval of this package underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to recognizing the service of high-ranking military officers. However, it has sparked debates over the financial implications for a country grappling with economic challenges. Critics argue that the lavish benefits may strain national resources, while supporters believe the package honors the sacrifices of military leaders.
As the implementation of this policy unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will influence morale within the armed forces and public perception of the administration’s priorities.