The Federal Government has approved a significant increase in peculiar allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants as part of efforts to improve workers’ take-home pay and strengthen morale across the public service.
The announcement was made by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.
According to Walson-Jack, the reforms were endorsed by the Federal Executive Council and will affect workers under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure.
She explained that the revised peculiar allowances were structured to apply across all grade levels, ensuring that both junior and senior officers experience meaningful increases in their earnings.
The government also approved an upward review of several key allowances, including duty tour allowance, estacode, and book allowance. Walson-Jack said nearly all allowances captured under the Public Service Rules have now been revised.
One of the major highlights of the reform is the approval of a 100 per cent Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending approved training programmes.
She noted that the benefit would apply regardless of whether the training requires travel outside the officer’s duty station.
“Even if you are based in Abuja and attend training within Abuja, you are entitled to full DTA,” Walson-Jack said.
Beyond salary adjustments, the government also introduced a new exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
Under the new arrangement, retirees will receive 100 per cent of their total annual emoluments as an exit package in addition to their pension benefits. The scheme will take effect from January 1, 2026.
Walson-Jack said the initiative was designed to ensure dignity in retirement and provide adequate financial support for public servants leaving active service.
The Federal Government also confirmed the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, which provides financial protection for workers who suffer injuries or death in the course of their duties.
The reforms come amid increasing calls from labour unions for improved welfare for workers, as rising living costs continue to place pressure on household incomes.
Analysts say the combined measures could significantly improve financial stability for civil servants while also enhancing productivity and motivation across Nigeria’s public sector.
