The Federal Government has spent at least N38.188 billion ($144.722 million) over the past 22 years on the upkeep of former presidents, vice presidents, and their families, Saturday Vanguard reports.
According to details from the 2026 N58.47 trillion Appropriation Bill, the allocations cover pensions, allowances, domestic staff, vehicles, medical care, and housing for both civilian and military former leaders.
Beneficiaries include former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and former military heads of state General Ibrahim Babangida, General Yakubu Gowon, and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as former vice presidents such as Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, and Yemi Osinbajo. Deceased leaders’ families also benefit under the law, which mandates quarterly payments for spouses and children up to university level.
The welfare package, initially established under Decree 32 of 1999 and later codified in subsequent legislation, provides former presidents with security aides, vehicles, furnished residences, medical care, and vacation allowances, while former vice presidents receive similar but slightly scaled-down benefits.
In addition, members of the Council of State collect N500,000 per meeting, held at least twice yearly. Historical data shows that allocations have fluctuated over time, peaking at N3.185 billion in 2012 and stabilising at N2.3 billion annually from 2013 to 2026.
The report also compares Nigeria’s expenditure with other countries, noting that former US presidents earn $205,700 annually, South African ex-presidents receive $188,000, and UK ex-prime ministers enjoy a “gold-plated” $515,000 pension, highlighting Nigeria’s sizeable investment in the welfare of its former leaders.