FG Approves Salary Increase, Welfare Package for Civil Servants

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a comprehensive increase in peculiar allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants as part of efforts to improve workers’ take-home pay and boost morale across the public service.

The development was disclosed on Friday by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, during a press briefing in Abuja.

She said the reforms were approved by the Federal Executive Council and apply to workers under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), covering various cadres across the service.

According to Walson-Jack, the updated peculiar allowances are structured to affect all grade levels, leading to noticeable increases in earnings for both junior and senior officers.

She explained that key allowances such as Duty Tour Allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance have been reviewed upward, adding that nearly all allowances listed under the Public Service Rules have now been adjusted.

A major highlight of the reform is the approval of 100 percent Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending officially approved training programmes, regardless of whether travel is involved.

“Even if you are based in Abuja and attend training within Abuja, you are entitled to full DTA,” she stated.

Beyond salary-related benefits, the government also approved a new exit benefit scheme for retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

Under the arrangement, retirees will receive 100 percent of their total annual emoluments as an exit benefit in addition to their pension, with effect from January 1, 2026.

Walson-Jack said the initiative is aimed at ensuring dignity in retirement and providing adequate financial support for public servants after service.

The government also confirmed the full implementation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, designed to provide financial protection for workers who suffer job-related injuries or death.

The reforms come amid growing calls by labour unions for improved worker welfare as rising living costs continue to put pressure on Nigerian workers.

Analysts say the measures could help improve financial stability and productivity within the public sector.