The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a sweeping increase in peculiar allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants, in a move designed to improve take-home pay and boost morale across the public service.
The announcement was made in Abuja by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, following the endorsement of the reforms by the Federal Executive Council.
She described the measures as part of a broader effort to reposition the public service and address long-standing concerns about workers’ welfare.
According to Walson-Jack, the revised structure affects 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 multiple cadres within the system.
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She explained that the updated peculiar allowances have been recalibrated to apply across all grade levels, resulting in noticeable increases in earnings for both junior and senior officers. In addition, several key allowances—including duty tour allowance (DTA), estacode and book allowance—have been reviewed upward.
A major highlight of the reform is the approval of 100 per cent Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending officially approved training programmes, regardless of whether travel is involved. This means that even workers attending training within their duty stations will now receive full DTA, a departure from previous practice.
Beyond immediate earnings, the government also introduced a new exit benefit scheme for civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme. Effective from 1 January 2026, retirees will receive 100 per cent of their total annual emoluments as an exit package, in addition to their pension entitlements.
Walson-Jack said the initiative is aimed at ensuring dignity in retirement and providing financial security for public servants after years of service. She added that the government has also operationalised the Employee Compensation Scheme, which offers financial protection to workers in cases of job-related injury or death.
The reforms come amid mounting pressure from labour unions over the rising cost of living and calls for improved remuneration in the public sector.
Analysts believe the measures could enhance financial stability for workers and drive improved productivity across government institutions.
