President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s newly approved retirement benefits for outgoing military chiefs have stirred nationwide attention.
The vehicles will be maintained and replaced every four years by their respective military services.
According to the document, each retired chief will also receive $20,000 annually for medical expenses in Nigeria or abroad.
The benefits include five domestic staff, one security officer, nine guards, three drivers, personal firearms, and lifelong access to military escorts.
President Tinubu approved the new package after removing the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and two other service chiefs on Saturday.
Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye remains Chief of Defence Intelligence.
The government said the reshuffle aims to strengthen Nigeria’s national security structure and improve coordination among the armed forces.
However, military sources said the move would trigger a wave of voluntary and forced retirements among senior officers.
Over 60 generals may have to step down as a result of the new appointments, in line with military hierarchy traditions.
Major-Generals and Brigadier-Generals will receive a Land Cruiser and $15,000 for yearly medical expenses. One-star officers will receive a Toyota Camry and $10,000 for medical care each year.
The Federal Government will need substantial funding to meet the cost of these benefits for all retiring officers.
Meanwhile, the Senate’s joint committee on Defence, Army, and Navy is expected to begin screening the newly appointed service chiefs this week.
Former Presidential Investigative Panel Chair, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, described Tinubu’s reshuffle as a strategic realignment aimed at reforming Nigeria’s security structure.
According to Obono-Obla, “This change signals a new phase in Tinubu’s first term — one focused on decisive security action and national stability.”
Follow us on all social media platforms @dailyquery for news and analyses around the globe.
