The Federal Government has set aside N13,805,814,220 for the maintenance of former presidents, vice presidents, chiefs of state, Chiefs of General Staff, retired heads of service, permanent secretaries, and retired heads of government agencies and parastatals in the fiscal year 2024.
The beneficiaries include former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, as well as ex-vice-presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo and Prof Yemi Osinbajo.
Ex-military heads of state, General Yakubu Gowon, General Abdusalami Abubakar, General Ibrahim Babangida, and a former Chief of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (retd.), are to gain from the windfall.
In addition, N1trillion has been set aside for public service wage adjustments for government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (including arrears of promotion and salary increases, as well as payment of severance benefits and minimum wage-related adjustments).
The entitlements of past presidents/leaders of states and vice presidents/chiefs of general staff will cost N2.3 billion, while retired heads of service, permanent secretaries, and professors will cost N10.5 billion.