The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a comprehensive increase in peculiar allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants, aiming to improve take-home pay and boost morale across the public service.
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. She explained that the reforms, endorsed by the Federal Executive Council, will affect workers under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), ensuring broad coverage across different cadres.
According to her, the revised peculiar allowances have been structured to impact all grade levels, resulting in noticeable increases in earnings for both junior and senior officers. Several key allowances—including duty tour allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance—have also been reviewed upward, with most allowances under the Public Service Rules now updated.
A key feature of the reform is the approval of 100 percent Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending approved training programmes, even when such training takes place within their base location. This means workers will receive full DTA regardless of whether travel is involved.
In addition to salary-related changes, the government introduced a new exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme. Effective January 1, 2026, retirees will receive 100 percent of their total annual emoluments as an exit package, in addition to their pension.
The Head of Service described the initiative as a move to ensure dignity in retirement, emphasizing the need for adequate financial support for public servants after service.
The government also confirmed the implementation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, which provides financial protection for workers who suffer job-related injuries or death.
The reforms come amid increasing pressure from labour unions over rising living costs, with analysts suggesting the measures could improve financial stability for civil servants and enhance productivity across the public sector.
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