The Federal Government has approved a sweeping increase in peculiar allowances and welfare packages for civil servants, in a move aimed at improving workers’ earnings and strengthening morale across the public sector.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, made this known during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, noting that the decision forms part of ongoing reforms to reposition the civil service and cushion the effects of rising living costs on workers.
According to her, the review covers employees under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), ensuring that both senior and junior officers benefit from the improved welfare framework.
Walson-Jack explained that the revised allowances have been carefully structured to cut across all grade levels, thereby delivering a more inclusive impact and boosting take-home pay for civil servants nationwide. She added that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to rewarding productivity and enhancing service delivery.
As part of the reforms, the Federal Government has also approved an upward review of key allowances, including Duty Tour Allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance. She disclosed that nearly all allowances captured in the Public Service Rules have now been updated to reflect current economic realities.
One of the major highlights of the reform is the approval of 100 per cent Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending approved training programmes, regardless of whether such training requires travel.
“Even if a civil servant is based in Abuja and attends a training programme within the city, he or she is entitled to full DTA,” she stated, emphasizing that the measure is designed to encourage continuous learning and professional development within the service.
Beyond salary and allowances, the government has introduced a new exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme. The scheme guarantees 100 per cent of a retiree’s full emoluments as an exit package, in addition to their regular pension benefits.
The policy, which took effect from January 1, 2026, is expected to significantly improve the welfare of retirees and ensure that public servants leave service with financial dignity.
Walson-Jack stressed that the initiative underscores the government’s resolve to prioritise the well-being of its workforce, both during active service and after retirement. “No public servant should exit the system without adequate financial support,” she said.
In addition, the Federal Government confirmed the full implementation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, which is designed to provide financial protection for workers who suffer job-related injuries, disabilities, or death in the course of duty.
The latest reforms come amid persistent calls from labour unions for improved wages and better working conditions, as inflation and the rising cost of living continue to place significant pressure on Nigerian workers.
Observers note that the development builds on earlier interventions by the Federal Government, including the approval of a 25 to 35 per cent salary increase for civil servants across several salary structures about two years ago.
These structures include CONPSS, CONRAISS, Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS), and the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS).
Analysts believe the latest adjustments could help boost productivity, reduce workforce dissatisfaction, and reinforce confidence in the public service, especially at a time when economic pressures remain high.
