Relief As FG Approves Allowance Increase For Civil Servants, Expands Welfare Benefits

By Olumuyiwa Olumuyiwa

Civil Servants in Nigeria will soon breathe a sigh of relief as the Federal Government has rolled out new salary and welfare packages for those in its employ amid the country’s biting economy.

The Federal Government noted that it approved an increase in allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants to boost morale across the public service.

Speaking on the move during a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, Didi Walson-Jack, head of the civil service of the federation, said that the review affects workers under the consolidated public service salary structure (CONPSS) and the consolidated research and allied institutions salary structure (CONRAISS).

Walson-Jack stressed that the move is  to ensure a broad-based impact across all cadres.

She added that the action is part of the key reforms endorsed by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

According to Walson-Jack, the revised peculiar allowances have been structured to apply across all grade levels and to result in an increase in earnings for both junior and senior officers.

She noted that the government also approved an upward review of key allowances, such as duty tour allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance.

Walson-Jack stated that virtually all allowances listed under the Public Service Rules are being revised.

She explained that the reform approved a 100 percent DTA for civil servants attending 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 said.

Speaking on the benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the contributory pension scheme (CPS), the head of civil service of the federation said a new exit scheme has been introduced, to provide 100 percent of a retiree’s total annual emoluments as an exit package, in addition to their pension, effective January 1, 2026.

Walson-Jack said it is a step toward ensuring dignity in retirement, adding that no public servant should leave service without adequate financial support.

She also affirmed the operationalisation of the employee compensation scheme to provide financial protection for workers who suffer a job-related accident or death.