The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a sweeping increase in allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants, in a move aimed at boosting take-home pay and improving morale across the public sector.
The announcement was made on Friday by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, during a press briefing in Abuja, where she outlined key reforms endorsed by the Federal Executive Council.
According to Walson-Jack, the review affects workers under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), ensuring broad coverage across ministries, departments, and agencies.
Allowances Increased Across All Levels
She said the revised “peculiar allowances”—job-specific payments tied to roles and responsibilities—have been adjusted across all grade levels, resulting in improved earnings for both junior and senior officers.
In addition, the government approved upward revisions of several key allowances, including Duty Tour Allowance (DTA), estacode for foreign travel, and book allowances. Most allowances captured under the Public Service Rules have now been updated.
A major highlight of the reform is the approval of 100 percent Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending official training programmes, regardless of whether travel is involved.
“Even if you are based in Abuja and attend training within Abuja, you are entitled to full DTA,” Walson-Jack said.
New Retirement Exit Package Introduced
Beyond salary-related adjustments, the government introduced a new exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
Under the new arrangement, retirees will receive:
100 percent of their total annual emoluments as a lump sum exit benefit, and their regular pension entitlements
The policy takes effect from January 1, 2026.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a step toward ensuring dignity in retirement, noting that no public servant should leave service without adequate financial support.
Employee Compensation Scheme Activated
The government also confirmed the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, designed to provide financial protection for workers who suffer job-related injuries or death in the line of duty.
The reforms come amid growing calls from labour unions for improved welfare, as rising living costs continue to strain workers nationwide.
Analysts say the combined measures could:
Enhance financial stability for civil servants
Improve productivity across the public sector
Strengthen confidence in government employment
However, experts also note that the long-term impact will depend on effective implementation and the government’s ability to manage inflationary pressures.
