FG Approves Pay Boost, New Welfare Package for Civil Servants

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The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive increase in allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants, in a move aimed at improving earnings, strengthening morale, and enhancing productivity 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 were part of a broader effort by the Federal Executive Council to reposition the civil service and address concerns over the rising cost of living.

According to Walson-Jack, the review covers employees under 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 new measures. She noted that the revised peculiar allowances have been adjusted across all grade levels, resulting in noticeable increases in take-home pay for both junior and senior officers.

She further disclosed that several key allowances have been reviewed upward, including Duty Tour Allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance. Virtually all allowances outlined in the Public Service Rules, she added, have now been updated to reflect current economic realities.

One of the major highlights of the reform is the approval of a 100 percent Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending officially approved training programmes. Walson-Jack clarified that the full DTA will be paid regardless of whether the training requires travel.

“Even if an officer is based in Abuja and attends a training programme within the city, such an officer is entitled to full Duty Tour Allowance,” she said.

In addition to the salary and allowance adjustments, the Federal Government also introduced a new exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme. The initiative guarantees 100 percent of a retiree’s total annual emoluments as an exit package, separate from their pension benefits. The scheme is scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026.

Walson-Jack described the development as a significant step toward ensuring financial security and dignity for public servants after retirement. She emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that no civil servant leaves service without adequate support.

The government also 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 reforms come at a time when labour unions have intensified calls for improved welfare for workers, citing economic pressures and inflation. Analysts believe the measures will not only ease financial strain on civil servants but also boost efficiency, commitment, and service delivery across government institutions.

Observers say the move signals a renewed commitment by the Federal Government to strengthen the public sector workforce and create a more motivated and secure civil service.