The Federal Government has approved a wide-ranging increase in allowances and welfare benefits for public servants, in a move aimed at improving earnings and boosting morale across the civil service.
The announcement was made in Abuja by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, who said the reforms were endorsed by the Federal Executive Council.
According to her, the review covers workers under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), ensuring that the changes cut across various cadres in the system.
She explained that the revised peculiar allowances have been adjusted across all grade levels, leading to noticeable increases in take-home pay for both junior and senior officers.
In addition to this, several key allowances—including duty tour allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance—have been reviewed upward. Walson-Jack noted that nearly all allowances captured under the Public Service Rules have now been updated to reflect current economic realities.
One of the standout changes is the approval of a 100 percent Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending official training programmes, even when such programmes take place within their duty stations.
“Even if you are based in Abuja and attend training within Abuja, you are entitled to full DTA,” she said.
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Beyond salary adjustments, the government also introduced a new exit benefit scheme for retiring workers under the Contributory Pension Scheme. Under the new arrangement, retirees will receive 100 percent of their total annual emoluments as an exit package, in addition to their pension. The policy takes effect from January 1, 2026.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a step toward ensuring dignity in retirement, adding that public servants deserve adequate financial support after years of service.
The government also confirmed the rollout of the Employee Compensation Scheme, designed to provide financial protection for workers who suffer job-related injuries or lose their lives in the line of duty.
The reforms come at a time when labour unions have intensified calls for better welfare, as rising living costs continue to strain workers. Observers say the measures could improve financial stability for civil servants and enhance productivity across the public sector.
