The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a new exit benefit package that will grant retiring federal civil servants a gratuity equivalent to 100 percent of their total annual emolument.
The policy, which is scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026, was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the office of the head of the Civil Service of the Federation in Abuja.
Under the newly approved scheme, Federal Civil Servants who have completed at least 10 years in service will be eligible to receive the gratuity upon retirement. The payment will be made in addition to the benefits already provided under the existing National Pension Commission-regulated contributory pension scheme.
According to the statement, the council’s approval followed extensive deliberations and recommendations from an inter-ministerial technical committee constituted by the office of the head of the civil service of the federation.
The committee reportedly worked in collaboration with key government agencies, including the National Pension Commission, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, to develop what officials described as a sustainable framework for implementing the policy.
Reacting to the development, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, commended the council for approving the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening the welfare and morale of federal workers.
She said the decision reflects the administration’s recognition of the dedication and sacrifices made by public servants in the course of their careers.
“This approval is a profound acknowledgement of the invaluable contributions of our civil servants who have devoted their productive years to public service and national development,” she said.
“The exit benefit scheme significantly enhances the retirement package of our officers and boosts confidence in the federal government’s commitment to their welfare.”
Walson-Jack further noted that the new initiative aligns with broader public service reforms aimed at building a more motivated, efficient, and performance-driven civil service.
She added that detailed guidelines outlining the modalities for implementation would be released in due course.
