President Tinubu has approved retirement perks for top military officials, sparking national debates and criticism. These benefits include $20,000 annual medical allowances, bulletproof SUVs, personal staff, and luxury accommodations.
According to the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTCOS) for military personnel, signed on December 14, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and service chiefs will receive a bulletproof SUV. This vehicle, to be replaced every four years, will be maintained by the military. They will also receive a backup Peugeot 508 or equivalent.
Additional Benefits Backed by President Bola Tinubu
Retired generals are entitled to domestic staff and security. Each will have access to cooks, stewards, and residential guards. Senior officers like lieutenant generals will receive $20,000 annually for medical treatment, both local and international.
Further, these officers will be provided with personal assistants, service drivers, and orderlies. Escorts will also be assigned as needed by military units. President Bola Tinubu has ensured that each retiring service chief gets five domestic aides, including service cooks and a civilian gardener.
Criticism of Extravagant Benefits Under President Bola Tinubu
Medical associations, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), have criticized the decision. They argue that retirement benefits should be invested in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.
NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, suggested these funds could revitalize Nigerian hospitals. “All benefits, including medical treatment, should be given locally to support the nation’s economy,” he stated. Critics also claim the foreign medical provision undermines confidence in local healthcare.
Healthcare Concerns Raised Over President Bola Tinubu’s Policy
Prof. Muhammad Muhammad of MDCAN noted that allocating foreign medical care highlights the government’s lack of trust in local hospitals. He emphasized upgrading healthcare facilities to match international standards. “Nigerians deserve the same quality care offered abroad,” he added.
Similarly, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) criticized the policy. Dr. Tope Osundara described medical tourism as detrimental to the health sector. He urged the government to redirect funds to equip hospitals and provide state-of-the-art medical facilities.
Public Backlash Against President Bola Tinubu’s Approval
Civil society groups have also questioned the necessity of these perks. Accountability Lab Nigeria’s Friday Odeh described the benefits as excessive amidst economic hardship. He stated, “These extravagant packages signal misplaced government priorities when many Nigerians face poverty and failing services.”
Odeh also criticized the performance of the military in addressing insecurity. “It is unclear if service chiefs have delivered enough to justify such rewards,” he remarked.
Calls for Governance Reforms Under President Bola Tinubu
Experts argue that these benefits reveal a deeper governance issue. Okechukwu Nwaguma of the Rule of Law Advocacy and Accountability Centre stated, “The lavish perks for elites amid citizen struggles reflect a troubling disconnect between government actions and public welfare.”
He urged the government to prioritize fair resource allocation, social welfare, and security. “Policies should align with the socioeconomic realities of the populace,” he concluded.
The retirement packages approved by President Bola Tinubu have drawn widespread criticism. Stakeholders argue that these funds could address Nigeria’s pressing healthcare and security challenges. The debate underscores the need for prioritizing public welfare over elite benefits.
