President Tinubu has approved significant retirement packages for Nigeria’s service chiefs. Get the full list of benefits and entitlements for the outgoing officials.
President Bola Tinubu has sanctioned a retirement package for Nigerian service chiefs and generals. This package includes $20,000 annually for foreign medical treatment, bulletproof SUVs, personal cooks, among other benefits. The decision has drawn criticism from various medical associations.
The retirement benefits specified in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers and Enlisted Personnel in the Nigerian Armed Forces, which were signed by Tinubu on December 14, 2024, grant entitlement to a bulletproof SUV for the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs. This vehicle will be replaced every four years and maintained by the military. Furthermore, retirees are entitled to receive either a Peugeot 508 or an equivalent backup vehicle.
In addition to vehicles, retired generals will enjoy the services of domestic aides, residential guards, and various other luxurious privileges.
Nonetheless, the packages have faced criticism from several medical associations, such as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
They contend that providing such extravagant benefits is not suitable in a nation struggling with insufficient healthcare infrastructure, unpaid medical staff, and an exodus of skilled professionals from the health sector.
Retirees holding the rank of lieutenant general and their equivalents will receive international and local medical treatment valued up to $20,000 each year. Although specific benefits for the CDS and service chiefs were not detailed, it is believed that their package would be substantially greater.
Furthermore, they will be provided with a special or personal assistant, three service drivers, and a service orderly. Military units will supply escorts as needed.
In addition, each retiring service chief will receive five domestic aides, including two cooks from the service, two stewards, and a civilian gardener. They will also be accompanied by an aide-de-camp or security officer.
The HTCOS stated, “Retirement benefits for the CDS and Service Chiefs include: A bullet-proof SUV or equivalent vehicle, maintained by the Service and replaced every four years. Additionally, a Peugeot 508 or an equivalent backup vehicle will be provided.”
Retention of all military uniforms and accessories for use during appropriate ceremonies; allocation of five domestic aides, including two service cooks, two stewards, and one civilian gardener; provision of one Aide-de-Camp/security officer; assignment of either a Special Assistant (Lt/Capt or equivalent) or Personal Assistant (Warrant Officer or equivalent); deployment of a standard guard consisting of nine soldiers.
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