Budgets: FG Spends N38.2bn on Gowon, Obasanjo, IBB, Others in 22 Years
The Federal Government has spent an estimated N38.188 billion on the upkeep of former presidents, vice presidents and their families over a 22-year period, findings from Saturday Vanguard have revealed.
The expenditure, drawn from annual federal budgets, covers pensions, allowances, medical care, security, accommodation, vehicles and other statutory benefits for past Nigerian leaders in line with existing laws.
Among the beneficiaries are former Heads of State and Presidents, including Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) and others, as well as former vice presidents. The figures also account for benefits extended to spouses and dependants, as stipulated by law.
A breakdown of the spending indicates a steady rise over the years, driven by inflation, exchange rate pressures, expanding security needs and increasing costs of healthcare and logistics. Analysts note that while the payments are legally backed, they have continued to attract public scrutiny, especially amid economic challenges and competing demands on government resources.
Critics argue that the growing cost of maintaining former leaders places an added burden on the national purse, calling for a review of the benefits framework to reflect current economic realities. Others, however, insist the provisions are necessary to ensure the dignity and security of past leaders and their families.
As Nigeria grapples with fiscal constraints, the disclosure has reignited debate over the sustainability and transparency of post-tenure benefits for former public office holders, with calls for reforms gaining renewed attention.
