FG Reveals Massive Spending On Former Presidents’ Welfare

By the end of 2026, the Federal Government of Nigeria is expected to have spent at least ₦38.188 billion ($144.72 million) on the welfare and upkeep of former presidents, vice presidents, and their families over the past 22 years.

Records show that spending on entitlements has steadily increased from ₦140 million in 2005 to ₦2.3 billion annually from 2013, with the highest allocation of ₦3.185 billion recorded in 2012 under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. The lowest allocation was ₦24 million in 2008, while 2007 estimates put spending at ₦102 million.

The proposed ₦2.3 billion for 2026 is included in the ₦58.47 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill under the item “Entitlements of Former Presidents/Heads of State and Vice Presidents/Chiefs of General Staff.” These funds cover pensions, allowances, medical care, domestic staff, security aides, vehicles, and housing for both civilian and military former leaders.

Beneficiaries

The funds benefit former civilian presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Muhammadu Buhari, and Goodluck Jonathan, former military heads of state Ibrahim Babangida, Yakubu Gowon, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as former vice presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, Yemi Osinbajo, and Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe. Families of deceased leaders—including Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Aguiyi-Ironsi, Murtala Muhammed, Sani Abacha, and Ernest Shonekan—are also entitled to benefits.

Beyond annual welfare, the government spent ₦432.193 million in 2017 and ₦986.19 million between 2016 and 2018 on vehicles for seven former presidents and four vice presidents. Each former leader, as a member of the Council of State, receives ₦500,000 per meeting, with at least two meetings annually.

Legal Basis

The entitlement framework was established under Decree 32 of 1999 and later enacted as the Remuneration of Former Presidents, Heads of Federal Legislative Houses, and Chief Justices of the Federation Act (2001). Amendments in 2008 and 2010 empowered the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to periodically review benefits. Provisions are also backed by Sections 70 and 84(4) of the 1999 Constitution.

Key Benefits

For Former Presidents:

• Personal officer, secretary, three to four armed policemen, one DSS officer as aide-de-camp

• Three vehicles, replaced every four years, with drivers provided by the government

• Free medical treatment in Nigeria and abroad if necessary

• Well-furnished office and five-bedroom house anywhere in Nigeria

• 30 days annual vacation within or outside Nigeria

For Former Vice Presidents:

• Personal officer, secretary, two to three armed policemen, one DSS officer as aide-de-camp

• Two vehicles replaced every four years, drivers provided

• Free medical treatment for themselves and families

• Office and three-bedroom house anywhere in Nigeria

• 30 days annual vacation within or outside Nigeria

For deceased leaders, families receive allowances for spouses and children (up to university level), with payments stopping if the spouse remarries.

Expenditure Breakdown (₦, $ Approx.)