FG Sets Aside N2.3bn in 2026 Budget for Benefits of Past Leaders
FG Sets Aside N2.3bn in 2026 Budget for Benefits of Past Leaders
The Federal Government has made a N2.3 billion provision in the 2026 budget to cover pensions and other entitlements for Nigeria’s former presidents, heads of state and their deputies.
Details from the 2026 Appropriation Bill show that the allocation is listed under statutory benefits for past national leaders and applies to both civilian and military administrations.
The funds are meant to settle legally approved allowances and post-office benefits.
Among those covered are former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, as well as past military leaders including Generals Ibrahim Babangida, Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Former vice presidents such as Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo and Yemi Osinbajo are also included.
The budget further extends to individuals who held equivalent positions during military rule including Okoh Ebitu Ukiwe, who served as the country’s second-in-command in the mid-1980s.
Beyond political officeholders, the government also earmarked N24.79 billion for retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, alongside N1 billion in severance payments for former heads of agencies and parastatals.
While the allocations are part of routine recurrent spending and backed by law, they have continued to draw public attention, especially as Nigeria faces budget deficits, inflation and revenue challenges under the 2026 fiscal plan presented to the National Assembly.
