The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reinstating gratuity payments to federal civil servants.
ASCSN President, Shehu Mohammed, made the announcement on Thursday, describing the decision as a significant boost to workers’ welfare and morale.
The Federal Government recently approved an Exit Benefit Scheme, granting retiring federal employees gratuity equivalent to 100% of their total annual emolument.
Mohammed noted that the move comes after years of advocacy by the union for the reinstatement of gratuity payments. “We are delighted that, following decades of effort by the union, federal civil servants can now enjoy the rewards they were entitled to in the past,” he stated.
He clarified that beneficiaries of the scheme include officers who have served 35 years or have reached the age of 60, whichever occurs first.
Mohammed recalled that gratuity payments ceased after the Pension Reform Act of 2004, although the law did not explicitly abolish the benefit. “Since 2004, our association has submitted numerous memoranda and letters to government urging the restoration of gratuity,” he said.
He also mentioned that during a visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari on August 19, 2022, the union raised the issue and received a commitment to address it.
Expressing optimism about the scheme’s impact, Mohammed said its implementation from January 2026 would further enhance morale across the Federal Civil Service. “We assure our members that we will closely monitor the rollout and ensure proper implementation,” he added.
He explained that gratuity is a retirement benefit paid by the employer without prior contribution from the employee, serving as a “golden handshake” to recognize decades of dedicated service.