Nigerians Question Lavish Benefits for Families of Late Presidents After Buhari’s Death
The Law Behind the Benefits
Following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerians have turned a critical eye on the extensive benefits granted to families of former presidents and vice presidents. These benefits, enshrined in the Remuneration of Former Presidents and Heads of State (and Other Ancillary Matters) Act, include significant financial allowances, luxury housing, healthcare, vehicles, and more, most of which are funded by the federal government.
According to the law:
Former Presidents receive N350,000 monthly as upkeep allowance.
Former Vice Presidents receive N250,000 monthly.
Families of deceased former Presidents are paid N1 million annually (N250,000 quarterly).
Families of deceased Vice Presidents receive N750,000 annually (N187,500 quarterly).
These benefits include education for children up to university level and continue until a spouse remarries.
Lavish Lifestyle Funded by the State
In addition to cash allowances, former heads of state and their families enjoy an expansive list of perks:
Aide-de-Camp and armed security officers for life.
Three government-funded vehicles, replaced every four years.
Fully furnished five-bedroom residence anywhere in Nigeria.
Office space with staff and equipment.
Free medical care within and outside Nigeria.
30-day vacation annually, funded by the government.
Diplomatic passport for life.
Free communication lines and mail services.
These benefits apply whether the leader is alive or deceased, with the Department of the Affairs of Former Heads under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) managing them.
Public Reactions: “A Priority Misplaced”
News of these benefits triggered backlash online, with many Nigerians condemning the privileges in light of the country’s economic challenges and poor healthcare system.
Here’s what citizens had to say:
@ToheebAlim: “Despite the fact that they are self-sufficient above all this… a priority misplaced.”
@enyola: “Rubbish that needs to be expunged from the law.”
@ebhos_gideon: “This is only on papers… Meanwhile, behind them they pack millions and billions away…”
@owolabi_st48050: “They make the law to enrich themselves. They don’t care about the poor.”
@Isholanoah01: “Upon all the billions stolen, the constitution still gives them more!”
Others questioned the fairness of these benefits compared to the plight of widows of soldiers who died in active service.
Activists Decry Cost of Governance
Civil society voices also condemned the law. Ene Obi, a prominent activist and former Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, criticized both the policy and the handling of Buhari’s death by the Tinubu administration.
“The issue of cost of governance is a major concern,” she said.
“Most of our politicians are going abroad to take treatment when they ought to build hospitals here. Meanwhile, millions of Nigerians are dying because of poor healthcare.”
Obi added that the lavish London delegation for Buhari’s remains was excessive and uncharacteristic of the late President, who was known for his simplicity.
“Buhari would have said, ‘Simply bring me back,’ not that convoy of officials. He wouldn’t have approved that,” she remarked.
She also highlighted the contrast between leaders receiving foreign healthcare and pregnant Nigerian women dying on maternity beds, with many families unable to afford hospital bills.
A Call for Urgent Reform
Critics argue that the law incentivizes political greed and should be scrapped or significantly reviewed. Proposals to curb medical tourism for politicians, such as the one earlier championed by Senator Dino Melaye, have failed in the legislature.
“One former Head of State passes away while another is abroad for treatment—it doesn’t reflect well on Nigeria’s capacity,” Obi said.
“Nigeria has the human and medical resources. We just lack leaders willing to invest in them.”
The conversation sparked by Buhari’s passing has revived public scrutiny of Nigeria’s governance structure particularly how resources are allocated to leaders while the majority struggle.
