Allocation covers pensions, allowances for ex-leaders amid rising fiscal pressure
The Federal Government has earmarked ₦2.3 billion in the 2026 budget for the payment of pensions, allowances and other statutory benefits to Nigeria’s former presidents, heads of state and their deputies.
Details of the allocation are contained in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, under a budget line titled “Entitlements of Former Presidents/Heads of State and Vice Presidents/Chief of General Staff.”
The provision covers benefits payable to former civilian and military leaders in line with existing laws governing post-office entitlements for top political officeholders.
Who benefits
Budget documents indicate that beneficiaries include former civilian presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, alongside former military heads of state General Yakubu Gowon, General Ibrahim Babangida, and General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
The allocation also extends to former vice presidents and equivalent military positions. Listed beneficiaries include Atiku Abubakar, who served as Vice President between 1999 and 2007; Namadi Sambo, Vice President from 2010 to 2015; and Yemi Osinbajo, who held the office from 2015 to 2023.
Also captured in the budget is Okoh Ebitu Ukiwe, who functioned as de facto Vice President between 1985 and 1986 during the Babangida military administration.
Other retirement-related provisions
Beyond former presidents and their deputies, the 2026 budget makes additional provisions for other retired senior public officials.
The Federal Government allocated ₦24.79 billion for the payment of benefits to retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries across the federation.
Another ₦1 billion was set aside as severance benefits for retired heads of government agencies and parastatals.
All the allocations fall under recurrent expenditure and are intended to meet statutory obligations owed to senior officials after leaving office.
Why it matters
Annual spending on benefits for former political officeholders has remained a recurring feature of Nigeria’s federal budgets and often draws public attention, particularly during periods of economic strain.
With the country facing fiscal pressures from subsidy removals, rising debt servicing costs, revenue challenges and high inflation, allocations for political entitlements continue to spark debate around government spending priorities and fiscal sustainability.
Background
The remuneration and post-service benefits of political officeholders, including former presidents and vice presidents, are determined by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
These entitlements are legally backed and typically include pensions, accommodation, vehicles, medical care and security.
Similar provisions appeared in previous budgets, making the 2026 allocation a continuation of existing policy rather than a new initiative.
President Bola Tinubu presented the 2026 budget to the National Assembly in December 2025, projecting a ₦23.85 trillion deficit, with expected total revenue estimated at ₦34.33 trillion.
