President Bola Tinubu has signed off on a series of enhanced retirement benefits for high-ranking officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces, as outlined in the newly approved Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS).
These benefits, which include luxury vehicles, domestic aides, and foreign medical care, aim to recognize the dedication of officers who have served the nation for 35 years.
Truthlivenews gathered that the HTACOS, signed into effect on December 14, 2024, was developed during the previous administration but finalized under Tinubu’s leadership. The updated terms promise a bulletproof SUV, a backup vehicle, and maintenance provided by the Armed Forces for retiring generals, along with other exclusive privileges such as domestic staff and personal security.
Officers of the rank of Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs will receive the highest benefits, including foreign medical treatment, with an annual estacode of $20,000 for these trips. They are also entitled to a team of domestic aides, military drivers, and personal assistants.
Lieutenant Generals and their equivalents will enjoy similar privileges, with benefits like a Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent vehicle, foreign medical care worth $20,000 annually, and additional staff support. Major Generals and Brigadier Generals are also catered for with Toyota Land Cruisers, $15,000 annual medical allowances, and domestic and security arrangements.
It read: “The following benefits shall be applicable: One bullet-proof SUV or equivalent vehicle to be maintained by the Service and to be replaced every four years.
“One Peugeot 508 or equivalent backup vehicle.
‘’Retention of all military uniforms and accoutrement 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 (to be provided by appropriate military units/ formation as the need arises); retention of personal firearms (on his demise, the personal firearm(s) shall be retrieved by the relevant service) and free medical cover in Nigeria and abroad.
“These are Retirement benefits for CDS and Service Chiefs.
“For other senior officers such as lieutenant generals and equivalents, they are entitled to two Toyota Hilux vehicles or one Toyota Land Cruiser, along with $20,000 annual medical treatment, two cooks, two stewards, four residential guards and two drivers.
“Lieutenant generals and equivalents will receive two Toyota Hilux vehicles or one Toyota Land Cruiser, along with $20,000 annual medical treatment, two cooks, two stewards, four residential guards, and two drivers.
“Retirement benefits for lieutenant general/equivalents, the following benefits shall be applicable: Officers of three-star rank.
“Two Toyota Hilux Vehicles or one Toyota Land cruiser or equivalent jeep of the same value; two Cooks; two Stewards; four residential guards; one service orderly; two service drivers and free medicals in Nigeria and abroad to the tune of $20,000 per year.”
The Federal Government also approved for Major-Generals and Brigadier-Generals the a Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent, $15,000 annual medical treatment, domestic staff, and residential guards.
One-star generals are expected to receive $10,000 annually for medical care, a Toyota Camry or equivalent and similar domestic and security arrangements.
“For major-generals/brigadier-generals and equivalents, the following benefits shall be applicable: One Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent car of the same value.
“One cook; One steward, two residential guards; One service orderly; One driver; Free medicals in Nigeria, and abroad to the tune of $15,000 per annum.
“Officers of One-Star rank (Brig. Gen.): One Toyota Camry or equivalent car of the same value; One service driver; two residential guards; One orderly and free medicals in Nigeria and abroad to the tune of $10,000 per annum.’’