In a landmark development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved enhanced retirement benefits for officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces, starting with the highest-ranking officials. The upgraded packages, detailed in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) for Officers and Enlisted Personnel, promise a range of luxurious perks for generals retiring after 35 years of service.
The new HTACOS, signed by President Tinubu on December 14, 2024, replaces previous terms with improved provisions that reflect the prevailing socio-economic realities of the country. The benefits encompass everything from state-of-the-art vehicles to comprehensive medical coverage and domestic staff.
Key Retirement Benefits for Senior Officers
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Service Chiefs:
The top echelon of the military, including the CDS and the Chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Staff, will receive the following:
- Bulletproof SUV: A retirement gift to be replaced every four years and maintained by the Armed Forces.
- Backup Vehicle: A Peugeot 508 or an equivalent car.
- Domestic Staff: Five personnel, including two cooks, two stewards, and one civilian gardener.
- Security and Personal Staff: One Aide-de-Camp (ADC) or Security Officer, one Special Assistant or Personal Assistant, three service drivers, one service orderly, and a standard guard comprising nine soldiers.
- Medical Coverage: Fully paid medical treatment in Nigeria and abroad, with an annual estacode of $20,000 for foreign medical trips.
- Other Perks: Retention of personal firearms and military uniforms for ceremonial purposes.
Lieutenant Generals and Equivalents:
For three-star generals, the benefits include:
- Vehicles: Two Toyota Hilux trucks or one Toyota Land Cruiser.
- Medical Coverage: Annual foreign medical treatment valued at $20,000.
- Domestic Staff: Two cooks, two stewards, and four residential guards.
- Security Staff: One service orderly and two service drivers.
Major Generals and Brigadier Generals:
Generals of two-star and one-star rank will enjoy:
- Vehicles: A Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent for major generals, and a Toyota Camry or equivalent for brigadier generals.
- Medical Coverage: $15,000 and $10,000 annually, respectively, for foreign medical treatment.
- Domestic Staff and Security: A cook, a steward, two residential guards, a service orderly, and a driver.
Colonels and Equivalents:
For colonels, the package includes:
- Vehicle: A Toyota Corolla or its equivalent.
- Medical Coverage: Free medical care within Nigeria.
Historical Context and Upgraded Terms
The practice of rewarding retired generals with substantial benefits has long been a tradition in Nigeria. However, the newly signed HTACOS reflects an upward revision of these benefits to align with current economic conditions.
The HTACOS aims to recognize the sacrifices made by senior officers throughout their careers while ensuring a dignified retirement. These provisions mark a significant milestone in the welfare of military personnel, setting a new benchmark for service rewards.
Hobnob News will continue to monitor the implementation of these benefits as they redefine the retirement landscape for Nigeria’s military officers.
