The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive increase in allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants, in a move aimed at improving earnings and enhancing morale across the public sector.
The announcement was made by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, during a press briefing in Abuja, where she outlined reforms endorsed by the Federal Executive Council.
According to Walson-Jack, the review covers employees under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), ensuring that workers across different cadres benefit from the adjustments.
She explained that peculiar allowances have been restructured across all grade levels, resulting in increased take-home pay for both junior and senior officers.
“We have ensured that the revised allowances reflect meaningfully across board, improving the welfare of civil servants at all levels,” she said.
The government also approved upward revisions for several key entitlements, including duty tour allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance. Walson-Jack noted that nearly all allowances captured under the Public Service Rules have now been reviewed.
A major highlight of the reform is the introduction of a 100 per cent Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending approved training programmes, regardless of travel requirements.
“Even if you are based in Abuja and attend training within Abuja, you are entitled to full DTA,” she stated.
Beyond salary-related improvements, the Federal Government introduced a new exit benefit scheme for retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme. The initiative provides retiring civil servants with 100 per cent of their total annual emoluments as a one-time exit package, in addition to their pensions, effective January 1, 2026.
“This is about ensuring dignity in retirement. No public servant should exit service without adequate financial support,” Walson-Jack added.
The government also confirmed the implementation of an Employee Compensation Scheme designed to offer financial protection to workers in cases of job-related injury or death.
The reforms come amid increasing pressure from labour unions over rising living costs. Analysts say the measures are expected to improve financial stability for civil servants while boosting efficiency and productivity within the public service.