Top Generals to receive $20,000 medical allowance, bulletproof SUVs in retirement package

President Bola Tinubu has approved a retirement package for service chiefs and generals, including a $20,000 foreign medical treatment allowance, bulletproof SUVs, cooks, and other benefits.

This decision has faced criticism from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), according to The Punch.

According to the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers and Enlisted Personnel in the Nigerian Armed Forces, signed by President Tinubu on December 14, 2024, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and other service chiefs are entitled to a bulletproof SUV or its equivalent as part of their retirement package.

The vehicle will be replaced every four years and maintained by the military, in addition to a Peugeot 508 or an equivalent vehicle as a backup.

Retired generals will also receive a range of luxurious benefits, including domestic aides and residential guards. Those retiring as lieutenant generals and their equivalents are entitled to international and local medical treatment worth up to $20,000 annually, although the benefits for the CDS and service chiefs are expected to be significantly higher.

In addition, retiring service chiefs will be assigned a special assistant or personal assistant, three service drivers, and a service orderly, with escorts provided as needed by relevant military units. Each retiring service chief will also be provided with five domestic aides, including two service cooks, two stewards, and one civilian gardener, along with an aide-de-camp or security officer.

The HTCOS document reads, “Retirement benefits for CDS and Service Chiefs: The following benefits shall be applicable: One bulletproof SUV or equivalent vehicle to be maintained by the Service and replaced every four years. One Peugeot 508 or equivalent backup vehicle. Retention of all military uniforms and accoutrements to be worn for appropriate ceremonies; five domestic aides (two service cooks, two stewards, and one civilian gardener); one Aide-de-Camp/security officer; one Special Assistant (Lt/Capt or equivalents) or one Personal Assistant (Warrant Officer or equivalents); standard guard (nine soldiers); three service drivers; one service orderly; escorts (provided by appropriate military units/formation as needed); retention of personal firearms (which shall be retrieved by the relevant service upon their demise); and free medical cover in Nigeria and abroad.”

For senior officers such as lieutenant generals and their equivalents, they are entitled to two Toyota Hilux vehicles or one Toyota Land Cruiser, along with $20,000 in annual medical treatment, two cooks, two stewards, four residential guards, and two drivers.

The document states, “Lieutenant generals and equivalents will receive two Toyota Hilux vehicles or one Toyota Land Cruiser, along with $20,000 in annual medical treatment, two cooks, two stewards, four residential guards, and two drivers. Retirement benefits for lieutenant generals/equivalents shall include: Two Toyota Hilux vehicles or one Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent jeep; two cooks; two stewards; four residential guards; one service orderly; two service drivers; and free medical care in Nigeria and abroad to the tune of $20,000 per year.”

Major generals and brigadier generals are to receive a Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent, $15,000 in annual medical treatment, domestic staff, and residential guards. One-star officers will receive $10,000 annually for medical care, a Toyota Camry or equivalent, and similar domestic and security arrangements.

The HTCOS further reads, “For major generals/brigadier generals and equivalents: One Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent car; one cook; one steward; two residential guards; one service orderly; one driver; free medical care in Nigeria and abroad to the tune of $15,000 per annum. For officers of one-star rank (Brig. Gen.): One Toyota Camry or equivalent car; one service driver; two residential guards; one orderly; and free medical care in Nigeria and abroad to the tune of $10,000 per annum.”

Colonels and their equivalents are to receive a Toyota Corolla or equivalent and free medical care within Nigeria.

NMA President Prof. Bala Audu emphasized that any retirement benefits for government officials should be invested within Nigeria. He stated, “If they want to give them government-funded medical treatment, cooks, or whatever, I believe they should provide all their benefits in Nigeria.”

MDCAN President Prof. Muhammad Muhammad urged the Nigerian healthcare system to be transformed to meet the needs of the citizens. He said, “The main concern is not the benefits, but the fact that the treatment is being provided abroad. In many cases, Nigerian doctors are the ones treating them abroad. We need to ensure that Nigerian healthcare providers are well taken care of, and the government must build confidence in the local healthcare system.”

He further criticized the decision to offer foreign treatment, suggesting it indicated a lack of faith in Nigeria’s healthcare system. He added that the government needed to improve healthcare facilities in the country, which would allow Nigerians to receive care locally and avoid medical tourism.

NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara also criticized medical tourism, urging the government to prioritize the upgrading of hospitals and healthcare systems. He said, “We need to focus on equipping our hospitals, so our doctors can provide the treatment people go abroad for.”

The Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odeh, described the development as “alarming,” especially given the economic hardship faced by Nigerians. He questioned whether the service chiefs had done enough to deserve such retirement packages, adding, “At a time when Nigeria faces economic hardship, such extravagance raises serious concerns about the government’s priorities.”

Odeh also pointed out the continuing insecurity in the country, questioning if the service chiefs had earned these benefits despite the ongoing challenges. He added, “It is troubling that such lavish perks are being granted when there are so many other pressing issues, like the insecurity that has plagued the country.”

The Executive Director of the Rule of Law Advocacy and Accountability Centre, Okechukwu Nwaguma, also expressed concerns, noting that the retirement benefits reflect a troubling disconnect between the government’s actions and the realities faced by the citizens. He stated, “This disparity deepens public disenchantment with the government. It raises questions about fairness and the allocation of resources, particularly during times of crisis.”

Nwaguma called for improved governance and policies that prioritize the welfare of the people and align with the country’s socioeconomic realities, rather than favoring elites.