By Fatima Mukhtar
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved an enhanced retirement benefit package for outgoing service chiefs and senior military officers, following the signing of the revised Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) for officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
According to the new package, each retired service chief will receive a bulletproof Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) or an equivalent vehicle, which will be replaced every four years and maintained by their respective service. They will also get a backup vehicle, such as a Peugeot 508 or equivalent model, for personal use.
In addition, each retired service chief is entitled to a $20,000 annual allowance for both local and overseas medical treatment. They will also enjoy free medical coverage within and outside Nigeria.
The new benefits further provide for domestic and security aides, including five household staff — two cooks, two stewards, and a gardener — as well as an aide-de-camp or security officer, three official drivers, a service orderly, and a standard guard unit of nine soldiers. The retirees will also retain the right to wear their uniforms and possess ceremonial firearms.
The review of benefits, which took effect from December 14, 2024, aims to recognise the contributions of top-ranking military officers and improve their post-service welfare.
However, the decision has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians, with critics arguing that such luxury packages are excessive amid economic hardship and unpaid entitlements of lower-ranking military retirees.
Supporters, on the other hand, describe the gesture as a morale booster and a way to honour years of dedicated service at the highest level of national defence.
The development comes shortly after President Tinubu announced the replacement of all service chiefs — a major shake-up that will see over 50 generals proceed on retirement in the coming days.
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