The recent approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of extravagant retirement packages for military service chiefs and senior officers has sparked widespread criticism from medical professionals, governance advocates, and concerned citizens. The retirement benefits include a $20,000 annual allowance for foreign medical treatment, bullet-proof SUVs replaced every four years, domestic aides, and various other perks, as outlined in the newly signed Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers and Enlisted Personnel in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Critics argue that these benefits are ill-timed, given the nation’s economic struggles. Medical associations, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), have condemned the policy as a reflection of the government's lack of confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system. Prof. Bala Audu, NMA President, insisted that retirement benefits, including medical provisions, should be utilized within Nigeria to foster development in the health sector.
Dr. Tope Osundara, NARD President, expressed concern over the persistent reliance on medical tourism, emphasizing that Nigerian doctors have the expertise to provide similar care locally if the government invests in upgrading healthcare infrastructure. Governance experts, such as Friday Odeh of Accountability Lab Nigeria, labeled the benefits “alarming,” noting that millions of Nigerians endure poverty and inadequate public services while resources are allocated to elite luxuries.
The Executive Director of the Rule of Law Advocacy and Accountability Centre, Okechukwu Nwaguma, described the perks as indicative of a disconnect between government priorities and citizens' struggles. He warned that such policies deepen public disenchantment and foster perceptions of favoritism toward the elite.
While proponents argue that these benefits are not new, critics insist that the timing and scale of the packages are inappropriate, especially as insecurity and other systemic challenges persist. Citizens and advocacy groups are calling for a paradigm shift, urging the government to prioritize social welfare and healthcare reform over elite privileges.
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