The Federal Government has set aside N2.3 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Bill to cover statutory benefits and entitlements for Nigeria’s former presidents, heads of state, and their deputies. The provision, captured under the budget line item titled “Entitlements of former Presidents/Heads of State and Vice Presidents/Chief of General Staff,” reflects the government’s continued obligation to service pensions, allowances, and other benefits guaranteed to former top political officeholders under existing laws.
The allocation forms part of the broader recurrent expenditure framework of the 2026 budget, which was presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu in December 2025. While the amount represents a small fraction of total federal spending, it has once again drawn public attention due to Nigeria’s ongoing fiscal challenges, including high inflation, revenue constraints, and a widening budget deficit.
What the budget data shows
According to details contained in the budget documents, the N2.3 billion provision applies to both civilian and military leaders who previously held the nation’s highest offices. Among the civilian former presidents listed as beneficiaries are Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
Also included are former military heads of state such as Ibrahim Babangida, Yakubu Gowon, and Abdulsalami Abubakar. These individuals are entitled to benefits in line with laws governing pensions and privileges for former national leaders, regardless of whether they served under civilian or military administrations.
The allocation further extends to former vice presidents and equivalent positions held during military regimes. Beneficiaries in this category include Atiku Abubakar, who served between 1999 and 2007; Namadi Sambo, who was in office from 2010 to 2015; and Yemi Osinbajo, who served from 2015 to 2023.
The budget also recognises Okoh Ebitu Ukiwe, who functioned as de facto Vice President between 1985 and 1986 during the Babangida military administration, thereby qualifying for similar entitlements.
Broader provisions for retired officials
Beyond former presidents and their deputies, the 2026 budget makes additional provisions for other categories of retired senior public officials. Specifically, N24.79 billion has been earmarked for the benefits of retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries across the federal civil service. These payments typically cover pensions, gratuities, and other post-service obligations owed to top bureaucrats.
In addition, the government allocated N1 billion as severance benefits for retired heads of government agencies and parastatals. Together, these items underscore the scale of statutory commitments the Federal Government must meet annually as part of its recurrent expenditure profile.
Why this matters
Spending on benefits for former political officeholders has long been a sensitive issue in Nigeria’s public finance debate. While such entitlements are legally backed, they often attract criticism, especially during periods of economic strain. With Nigerians adjusting to subsidy removals, elevated living costs, and tightening household incomes, allocations to political pensions frequently raise questions about equity, fiscal discipline, and the sustainability of public spending.
The scrutiny is further heightened by the scale of the 2026 fiscal framework. According to budget projections, the Federal Government plans to spend well above expected revenues, with a deficit estimated at N23.85 trillion. Total revenue for 2026 is projected at N34.33 trillion, underscoring the continued reliance on borrowing to finance government operations.
What you should know
The remuneration and post-service benefits of political officeholders in Nigeria are determined by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). These benefits are enshrined in law and typically include pensions, housing, official vehicles, medical care, and security coverage.
Similar provisions for former presidents and vice presidents have appeared consistently in past federal budgets, making the 2026 allocation a continuation of existing policy rather than a new initiative. Nonetheless, the inclusion of N2.3 billion for ex-leaders’ benefits once again places the spotlight on how Nigeria balances statutory obligations with competing development and social spending priorities in a challenging economic environment.
Emmanuel Bassey is a Financial Expert that has worked in the Banking and Finance Industry for over 15+ years across different banks in Nigeria
