The new Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) for Officers and Enlisted Personnel in the Armed Forces of Nigeria which was approved last month has offered generous benefits including $20,000 foreign medical treatment, bullet-proof SUVs and cooks, among other benefits, as part of the retirement package for Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Service Chiefs and other top Generals.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on December 14, 2024 signed the recently reviewed and approved HTACOS, paving the way for its implementation.
The bulletproof SUV or its equivalent, in addition to a Peugeot 508 or an equivalent vehicle as backup, would be maintained by the Nigerian military and is to be replaced every four years.
The practice of rewarding retired CDS and Service Chiefs including other retired Generals and equivalents with mouth-watering benefits is not new but has been part of the tradition in the Nigerian military. This new HTACOS, whose accompanying benefits was upward in line with the present/prevailing socio-economic realities of the country, has been in the works since the tenure of the former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Specifically, it provides that the CDS, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) and other senior officers are entitled to a bulletproof SUV or its equivalent as retirement package.
The retired Generals will also enjoy a range of other benefits, including domestic aides and residential guards upon retirement.
In the new HTACOS, Lieutenant Generals and their equivalents (Vice Admirals and Air Marshals) will be entitled to foreign medical treatment and $20,000 annually with that of the CDS expected to be higher.
The Generals will also be entitled to a Special Assistant or Personal Assistant, 3 military drivers, and a military orderly, with escorts provided by individual military units.
Domestic staff
Each retiring CDS or Service Chief is also entitled to five domestic staff comprising two cooks, two stewards, and a civilian gardener, along with an ADC/Security Officer.
Part of the HTACOS reads: “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.
Lieutenant Generals
“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.”
In addition, the HTACOS states: “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.’’
Colonel
Colonels and their equivalents are to get a Toyota Corolla or its equivalent and free medical care within Nigeria.
