In what’s already sparking major debate across Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed off on a new set of lifetime benefits for all retired and sacked Service Chiefs under the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) 2024.
The updated policy, which has now become official, offers an astonishing range of luxury perks, lifetime privileges, and top-tier security provisions all fully covered by the government.
What Exactly Did Tinubu Approve?
According to the new HTACOS document, former Service Chiefs won’t just walk away with retirement pay they’ll continue to enjoy the kind of comfort and protection only the country’s top elite could dream of.
Here’s a breakdown of everything included in their lifetime package
Lifetime Domestic and Personal Staff
Each former Service Chief will have at least five domestic aides:
Two service cooks
Two stewards
One civilian gardener
In addition, they’ll get:
A Personal Assistant (PA) (up to the rank of Lieutenant or Captain) or a Special Assistant (SA) (up to the rank of Warrant Officer)
An Aide-de-Camp (ADC)
A security officer
Three service drivers
A service orderly
And a standard guard unit made up of nine soldiers assigned for personal protection.
Luxury Vehicles — For Life
Each Service Chief will also keep:
A bulletproof SUV, fully maintained by the government and replaced every four years.
A backup vehicle either a Toyota Prado, Peugeot 508, or an equivalent car.
And that’s not all they’ll be allowed to retain their personal firearms, which will only be retrieved after their death.
Healthcare and Financial Rewards
The package also includes lifetime medical care, both in Nigeria and abroad a benefit few public servants can dream of.
Beyond these physical perks, the Service Chiefs are also entitled to:
A one-time disengagement payment
Lifetime gratuity
And other unspecified financial benefits listed under HTACOS 2024.
Public Reactions
While supporters say these benefits are meant to honor and secure Nigeria’s top military veterans, critics argue that such lavish lifetime packages are excessive especially during a period of economic hardship for ordinary citizens.
Regardless of where you stand, one thing is clear: the HTACOS 2024 policy sets a new benchmark for post-service privileges in Nigeria’s public sector.
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Final Thoughts
With these new lifetime benefits, former Service Chiefs are set for a life of comfort, luxury, and guaranteed security long after their time in uniform.
Whether this move boosts morale within the Armed Forces or stirs more controversy remains to be seen.