FG Approves Salary Boost, Expands Welfare Package for Civil Servants

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a comprehensive increase in peculiar allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants, aiming to improve their take-home pay and enhance morale across the public service.

This was disclosed on Friday by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, during a press briefing held in Abuja, where she highlighted key reforms approved by the Federal Executive Council.
Walson-Jack explained that the review applies to workers under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), ensuring that the changes cut across various cadres in the service.
According to her, the updated peculiar allowances have been designed to impact all grade levels, leading to noticeable increases in earnings for both junior and senior officers.
She further noted that several major allowances, including duty tour allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance, have been revised upward. She added that nearly all allowances captured under the Public Service Rules have now undergone review.
A key aspect 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 required.
“Even if you are based in Abuja and attend training within Abuja, you are entitled to full DTA,” she stated.
Beyond salary-related improvements, the government also introduced a new exit benefit scheme for retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme. This package guarantees 100 percent of a retiree’s total annual emoluments as an exit benefit, in addition to their pension, with effect from January 1, 2026.
Walson-Jack described this initiative as a measure to ensure dignity in retirement, emphasising that public servants should not leave service without sufficient financial support.
Additionally, the government confirmed the full implementation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, which is designed to provide financial protection for workers who suffer job-related injuries or death.
These reforms come at a time when labour unions have been advocating improved welfare, as rising living costs continue to affect workers. Analysts believe the measures could significantly improve financial stability for civil servants and boost productivity within the public sector.