Nigerians criticize President Tinubu’s $20,000 foreign medical allowance for generals, urging investment in local hospitals to improve healthcare for all citizens.
Nigerians Push Back on Tinubu’s Retirement Benefits Package for Generals
Nigerians have expressed outrage over President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval of a retirement benefits package for military generals, which includes extravagant perks such as $20,000 annually for foreign medical treatment, luxury SUVs, and domestic aides. Many have labeled the move as both insensitive and discriminatory, especially given the country’s inadequate healthcare system, where millions struggle to access basic services.
The discontent over this policy intensified when retired military personnel protested at the Ministry of Finance, demanding payment of their outstanding entitlements. The demonstration disrupted operations as protesters blocked access to the ministry.
What Does the Retirement Package Include?
The retirement package, part of the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTCOS) signed into law on December 14, 2024, grants the following benefits:
- Service Chiefs and Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS): Annual foreign medical cover, bulletproof SUVs, and domestic aides.
- Lieutenant Generals: $20,000 for foreign medical treatment annually, luxury vehicles, and domestic staff.
- Major Generals and Brigadier Generals: Annual foreign medical coverage ranging from $10,000 to $15,000, cars, and domestic support.
- Colonels and equivalents: Local medical care and Toyota Corolla vehicles.
Public Reaction: Calls to Develop Local Healthcare
Many Nigerians see this policy as a misallocation of resources that prioritizes a select few over the general population. Critics argue that this decision further highlights the deep inequalities in Nigeria’s healthcare system and reflects the government’s lack of commitment to improving local hospitals.
Ijaw National Congress (INC) President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, criticized the decision, stating:
“Allocating $20,000 annually for foreign medical treatment for retired generals, while millions lack access to affordable healthcare, is discriminatory and perpetuates inequality.”
Okaba further noted that the reliance on foreign healthcare underscores the urgent need to invest in local infrastructure, improve healthcare services, and prevent brain drain among medical professionals.
Critics Voice Concerns Over Misplaced Priorities
Political Analyst Hon. Ayo Fadaka condemned the policy as a violation of service codes, calling it a form of appeasement driven by fear. He added:
“The $20,000 annual medical allowance for retired generals shows a lack of commitment to upgrading our healthcare system. Millions of Nigerians die yearly due to poorly equipped hospitals.”
Similarly, Major Rasaki Salawu (rtd) argued that the policy sends a demoralizing signal, suggesting that even the government lacks confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system. He emphasized the need to channel such funds into upgrading local hospitals rather than promoting medical tourism.
The Economic Cost of Medical Tourism
Healthcare experts and opinion leaders have pointed out the financial burden of foreign medical trips on the nation’s economy. Chief Anabs Sarah-Igbe, a leader in the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), remarked:
“While retired servicemen deserve care, foreign medical trips deplete our foreign reserves. Investing in state-of-the-art medical equipment will ensure quality care for all Nigerians.”
Environmentalist Elder Joseph Ambakederimo highlighted the wastefulness of spending public funds on foreign healthcare while neglecting local facilities. He called for deliberate investments to equip Nigerian hospitals to handle complex medical cases.
A Call for Action: Prioritize Healthcare for All
Critics of the policy have stressed the importance of revamping Nigeria’s healthcare system, including upgrading hospital infrastructure, retaining skilled professionals, and providing access to quality medical services for all citizens. They argue that a robust healthcare system is essential for a productive society and economic growth.
Suleiman Abdul-Aziz, spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), summed it up:
“The $20,000 allowance for foreign treatment reflects the government’s lack of trust in local healthcare. This policy undermines public morale and highlights the urgent need for reform.”
Fix Our Medical Facilities – Pastor D. Lewis
Pastor D. Lewis criticized the government for neglecting public health infrastructure while facilitating foreign medical care for top military officials. He labeled this decision as unpatriotic and hypocritical, especially given the ongoing brain drain of Nigerian medical professionals. “We have some of the best healthcare professionals globally, but instead of fixing our hospitals and creating a conducive environment, the government sends officials abroad for treatment,” he said.
A Dangerous Precedent – Emmanuel Kuejubola
Public commentator Emmanuel Kuejubola described the move as a dangerous precedent. He questioned its legality, suggesting it may lack legislative approval. “This decision implies there’s no hope for improving Nigeria’s hospitals,” he said. “While retired generals deserve care, investing these funds into local healthcare would have a greater impact. Moreover, with our weak naira, we’re further straining the economy by boosting foreign systems.”
Unfair to the Public – Abel Okpako
Abel Okpako, a motorcyclist from Delta State, expressed disappointment, calling the decision unfair. “Most Nigerians can’t afford basic drugs, let alone travel abroad for treatment. If leaders continue spending on foreign healthcare, who will fix our hospitals?” he asked.
Invest in Local Hospitals – Joseph Egbedi
Tricycle operator Joseph Egbedi emphasized the need to prioritize local healthcare. “I understand they’ve served the country, but why foreign treatment? The money should be used to build hospitals here. Even the generals would prefer quality local facilities to traveling abroad,” he argued.
Improve Both Sectors – Tosan Emike
Mechanic Tosan Emike suggested a balanced approach. “It’s good to care for retired generals, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of the rest of us. The government should simultaneously invest in local hospitals so everyone benefits,” he said.
A Justifiable Act – Dr. Okunzuwa Osawaru
Edo State medical practitioner Dr. Okunzuwa Osawaru viewed the decision as justified due to the military’s demands. “The government could support the military while still improving healthcare. Significant investment is required, especially in rural areas lacking adequate access,” he noted.
A Questionable Allowance – Debo Ajayi
Former Commissioner Debo Ajayi expressed concerns about the appropriateness of the annual allowance for foreign treatment. “This package raises questions about equity. What about other security agencies or public servants? Instead of allowances, why not fund an insurance scheme that covers treatment abroad only when necessary?” he suggested.
Encouraging Medical Tourism – Ashaye Wasiu
Ashaye Wasiu, Chairman of United Action for Democracy, Ogun State, criticized the policy for promoting medical tourism. He urged the government to prioritize healthcare investments, pay healthcare workers adequately, and reduce brain drain. “This act encourages Nigerians to seek treatment abroad instead of improving local facilities,” he said.
Fund Local Hospitals – Niyi Rotimi
Niyi Rotimi, head of the Human Rights Unit at JDPM, called for adequate funding and equipping of local hospitals. While recognizing the sacrifices of retired generals, he emphasized the need for better healthcare access for all Nigerians.
Overhaul the Health Sector – Oginnni Olaposi
NNPP National Secretary Oginnni Olaposi urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the health sector. “While foreign medical allowances for retired generals may not be bad, the poor state of our healthcare system is why many Nigerians seek treatment abroad. The government must prioritize overhauling and modernizing our health facilities,” he said.
Conclusion
The consensus across various stakeholders is clear: while retired generals deserve care, the government’s focus on foreign medical treatment highlights a lack of commitment to fixing Nigeria’s health sector. By investing in local facilities, providing better pay for healthcare workers, and creating a sustainable healthcare system, the government can serve both public servants and the general population more effectively.
READ ALSO:
Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp:
Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear:
Kindly Share:
Discover more from LMSINT MEDIA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.