In the 2025 budget, the Nigerian Federal Government has allocated a total of ₦27 billion for the benefits of former leaders, including past presidents, vice presidents, heads of state, retired heads of service, and professors. This allocation is part of the ₦49.70 trillion budget aimed at strengthening defense, infrastructure, and human capital development.

The key beneficiaries of this ₦27 billion are former Nigerian Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari. Additionally, former vice presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo will also benefit. Retired military leaders like General Yakubu Gowon, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Ibrahim Babangida, and Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe are included in the list of recipients.

In his presentation of the 2025 budget, President Bola Tinubu highlighted key focus areas such as defense, economic recovery, and development. A significant portion, ₦1.4 trillion, has been allocated for pensions, gratuities, and benefits for retirees. Of this, ₦2.3 billion will go to former presidents, vice presidents, and heads of state. Retired heads of service and permanent secretaries will receive ₦10.5 billion, while retired university professors will get ₦13.5 billion. Additionally, ₦1 billion is set aside for retired heads of government agencies.

This allocation is part of the government’s broader pension plan, which includes ₦46 billion for civilian pensions and ₦383.9 billion for military pensions. There is also a dedicated budget of ₦66.8 billion for expected retirees and funds for administrative and medical costs related to pensions.

The government is also focusing on social investment programs in the 2025 budget. Key initiatives include the student loan scheme, National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy programs, National Home Grown School Feeding Program, and Consumer Credit Fund initiatives. A total of ₦500 billion has been earmarked for these programs, with ₦50 billion specifically for the student loan scheme.