The Federal Government has approved a far-reaching upward review of peculiar allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants, in a decisive move to boost take-home pay and reinvigorate morale across the public service.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, disclosed the development on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja, detailing a suite of reforms ratified by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
She explained that the review covers employees under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), ensuring that the benefits cut across all cadres of the federal workforce.
According to her, the restructuring of peculiar allowances has been deliberately designed to impact all grade levels, translating into tangible increases in earnings for both junior and senior officers.
Beyond this, the government has also approved an upward adjustment of key allowances, including Duty Tour Allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance. Walson-Jack noted that nearly all allowances captured under the Public Service Rules have now been comprehensively reviewed.
In a notable shift, civil servants attending officially approved training programmes will now receive 100 per cent Duty Tour Allowance, irrespective of whether travel is involved.
“Even if you are based in Abuja and attend training within Abuja, you are entitled to full DTA,” she stated.
The reforms also extend to post-service welfare, with the approval of a new exit benefit scheme for retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme. Effective January 1, 2026, retiring civil servants will receive 100 per cent of their total annual emoluments as an exit package, in addition to their pension benefits.
Describing the initiative as a milestone in public service reform, Walson-Jack emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring dignity and financial security in retirement.
“No public servant should leave service without adequate financial support,” she said.
Additionally, the Federal Government confirmed the full implementation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, which provides financial protection for workers in cases of job-related injury, disability, or death.
The sweeping reforms come against the backdrop of sustained agitation by labour unions for improved worker welfare, as inflationary pressures continue to erode real incomes. Analysts believe the measures could significantly strengthen financial stability among civil servants while enhancing productivity and service delivery across the public sector.
