President Bola Tinubu has approved substantial retirement benefits for senior military officers under the newly signed Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) for Officers and Enlisted Personnel in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The revised package, signed into effect on December 14, 2024, provides luxurious allowances for officers of General rank who retire after 35 years of service.
Retirement Benefits for Top Military Officers
The Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs (Army, Navy, and Air Force), and other senior officers will receive a bulletproof SUV or its equivalent as a retirement package. The vehicle, alongside a backup car (such as a Peugeot 508), will be replaced every four years and maintained by the Armed Forces.
Additionally, retired generals will enjoy foreign medical treatment, with a $20,000 annual estacode for such trips. They will also be provided domestic aides, including two cooks, two stewards, and a gardener, as well as residential guards. Other perks include:
A Special Assistant or Personal Assistant.
Three military drivers.
A military orderly and escorts provided by relevant military units.
Retention of personal firearms, uniforms, and accoutrements for ceremonial purposes.
Benefits for Lieutenant Generals and Equivalents
Lieutenant Generals will be entitled to:
Two Toyota Hilux vehicles or one Toyota Land Cruiser.
$20,000 annual medical treatment.
Two cooks, two stewards, and four residential guards.
Two service drivers and one orderly.
Major-Generals, Brigadier-Generals, and Other Senior Officers
Major-Generals: One Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent, $15,000 annual medical treatment, one cook, one steward, two residential guards, one orderly, and one driver.
Brigadier-Generals: One Toyota Camry or equivalent, $10,000 annual medical treatment, two residential guards, one driver, and one orderly.
Colonels and Equivalents: One Toyota Corolla or equivalent and free medical care within Nigeria.
Enhanced Packages Reflect Current Realities
The new HTACOS has increased the retirement benefits to align with the prevailing socio-economic conditions in the country. The Federal Government’s decision highlights its commitment to recognizing the contributions of military officers who have dedicated their lives to national service.
These adjustments build upon existing practices, ensuring that retired service chiefs and generals are adequately rewarded for their service while reflecting current economic realities.