Nigerians have criticized the approval of a lavish retirement package for service chiefs and generals by President Bola Tinubu, which includes benefits such as $20,000 annually for foreign medical treatment, bulletproof SUVs, and domestic aides. Many Nigerians see this as discriminatory and insensitive, especially when millions of citizens lack access to basic, affordable healthcare services.
This approval coincided with a protest by retired military personnel at the Ministry of Finance, where they demanded full payment of their unpaid entitlements. The protesters set up canopies and chairs outside the ministry, blocking access and disrupting normal activities.
President Tinubu signed the retirement package into law on December 14, 2024, as part of the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers and Enlisted Personnel in the Nigerian Armed Forces. The package includes various benefits for retired service chiefs, such as bulletproof vehicles, domestic aides, military uniforms, and free medical coverage both in Nigeria and abroad. For higher-ranking officers, the package includes vehicles, medical allowances up to $20,000 per year, and other perks like personal aides and security personnel.
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In response, many Nigerians have questioned the fairness of allocating such substantial resources to retired generals while the country faces serious healthcare challenges, such as poor infrastructure, healthcare inequality, and a shortage of medical professionals. Some even believe this package is intended to please former military leaders. Critics have called on President Tinubu to prioritize improving Nigeria’s healthcare system rather than promoting medical tourism for the wealthy few.
Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress, expressed concern over the $20,000 annual medical allowance for retired generals, highlighting the country’s inadequate healthcare system and the consequences of resource misallocation in the face of pressing national health issues.
