FG Approves Major Welfare Boost for Civil Servants, Raises Allowances Nationwide

The Federal Government has approved a significant increase in allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants across Nigeria, in a move aimed at improving take-home pay and boosting morale in the public sector.

The announcement was made on Friday in Abuja by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, during a briefing outlining recent Federal Executive Council-approved reforms.

According to her, the review affects workers under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), ensuring that both junior and senior staff benefit from the adjustments.

She explained that peculiar allowances have been revised across all grade levels, leading to increased earnings for workers. Key allowances such as Duty Tour Allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowances have also been raised under the new policy.

A notable change is the approval of 100 percent Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending official training programmes, even when such training takes place within their duty location.

“Even if you are based in Abuja and attend training within Abuja, you are entitled to full DTA,” Walson-Jack stated.

The government also introduced a new exit benefit scheme for retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, which will provide retiring civil servants with 100 percent of their annual emoluments as a one-off exit package, in addition to their pension, effective January 1, 2026.

Walson-Jack said the measure is designed to ensure dignity in retirement and improve financial security for public servants after service.

In addition, an Employee Compensation Scheme has been activated to provide financial support for workers affected by work-related injuries or death.

Analysts say the reforms could improve welfare conditions and productivity in the civil service, especially amid rising living costs and continued labour demands for better remuneration.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale