Golden Handshake: President Tinubu Approves Luxury Benefits For Retired Military Leaders

President Bola Tinubu has approved an extravagant retirement package for service chiefs and generals, featuring $20,000 annually for overseas medical care, bulletproof SUVs, domestic aides, and other perks.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This new provision, enacted on December 14, 2024, as part of the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (HTCOS) for Officers and Enlisted Personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, outlines various high-value benefits.

According to a document obtained by The Punch, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and other service chiefs are entitled to a bulletproof SUV or its equivalent upon retirement, with replacements every four years. These vehicles will be maintained by the military. Additionally, retirees will receive a backup vehicle, such as a Peugeot 508 or its equivalent.

Medical benefits include annual allowances of up to $20,000 for generals, with the CDS and service chiefs expected to receive even higher allowances.

Domestic support includes five aides—two cooks, two stewards, and a gardener—alongside a personal assistant, three service drivers, and a service orderly. Security is enhanced with an aide-de-camp or security officer and escorts from military units.

The HTCOS specifies, “Retirement benefits for the CDS and Service Chiefs include: one bulletproof SUV or equivalent vehicle, maintained by the Service and replaced every four years; one Peugeot 508 or equivalent as a backup vehicle; retention of all military uniforms for ceremonial use; five domestic aides (two cooks, two stewards, one gardener); one aide-de-camp/security officer; one special assistant (Lt/Capt or equivalent) or personal assistant (Warrant Officer or equivalent); a standard guard unit (nine soldiers); three service drivers; one service orderly; and escorts as needed by military units.”

Additional provisions include retaining personal firearms, subject to retrieval upon the retiree’s demise, and free medical coverage within Nigeria and abroad.