A storm of criticism is sweeping through Nigeria’s military community after revelations that sacked service chiefs will receive lifetime luxury packages funded by taxpayers, a move many ex-soldiers describe as “rewarding failure with privilege.”
According to documents obtained by The Punch from the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service, each retired service chief is entitled to a bulletproof vehicle replaced every four years, a backup car, five domestic aides, personal security, and fully funded medical treatment both at home and abroad.
The policy, reportedly endorsed during the closing days of 2024, has ignited anger among retired junior officers who say they are being abandoned despite decades of service.
“When we retired, there was nothing, no house, no medical care, not even respect.
“Now, those who left office in comfort are being pampered,” said one retired corporal who pleaded anonymity.
Civil society organizations have condemned the package as insensitive, particularly in light of Nigeria’s economic hardship and underfunded public services.
They argue that it widens the gap between military elites and ordinary veterans.
Furthermore, economists warn that sustaining such benefits could place an unnecessary financial burden on the federal budget, already strained by debt servicing and subsidy payments.
“At a time when the government is preaching sacrifice, spending billions on retired generals is tone-deaf,” said policy analyst, Funke Osifo.
As public outrage grows, many Nigerians are calling for a review of the defence policy to ensure equity across the armed forces.
Whether the government will heed those calls remains uncertain, but the anger among veterans is unlikely to fade soon.