…review covers all cadres, boosts welfare, retirement security
The Federal Government has approved a sweeping upward review of peculiar allowances and welfare packages for civil servants, alongside the introduction of 100 per cent duty tour allowance for training and a new exit benefit scheme for retirees.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja, describing the decision as a major step towards enhancing workers’ earnings, morale and post-service security.
She said the review applies to officers on the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure, with a design that ensures benefits cut across all grade levels.
According to her, the restructured allowances will improve take-home pay for both senior and junior officers, reflecting the government’s commitment to a more inclusive welfare framework.
Walson-Jack further disclosed that key allowances captured in the Public Service Rules, including duty tour allowance, estacode and book allowance, had been comprehensively reviewed.
Highlighting one of the major reforms, she announced the approval of 100 per cent duty tour allowance for civil servants attending approved training programmes, irrespective of whether such training involves travel.
“Even when the training is within the same location, officers are entitled to full DTA,” she said.
In a related development, the Federal Government has introduced an exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme, effective January 1, 2026.
The scheme provides 100 per cent of a retiree’s full emoluments as an exit package, separate from pension entitlement.
The Head of Service said the initiative was designed to uphold dignity in retirement and ensure that public servants exit service with adequate financial support.
She also confirmed the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, aimed at providing financial protection for workers in cases of job-related injury or death.
The reforms come amid growing pressure from labour unions for improved welfare, as rising living costs continue to strain workers’ incomes.The latest move follows an earlier salary adjustment by the Federal Government, which approved a 25 to 35 per cent increase for workers across several consolidated salary structures.
