The Federal Government has approved a sweeping increase in allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants, in a move aimed at improving take-home pay and boosting morale across Nigeria’s public service.
Announcing the decision in Abuja on Friday, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, said the revised package targets workers under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure and Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure. She explained that the adjustments were designed to ensure a broad-based impact across all cadres, with both junior and senior officers set to benefit.
Walson-Jack noted that the allowances have been restructured to reflect across all grade levels, resulting in improved earnings throughout the service. The reform also includes a comprehensive review of key entitlements such as duty tour allowance, estacode, and book allowance, with nearly all allowances captured under the Public Service Rules now revised.
A major highlight of the reform is the approval of a 100 percent duty tour allowance for civil servants attending approved training programmes, regardless of travel requirements. “Even if you are based in Abuja and attend training within Abuja, you are entitled to full DTA,” she said, underscoring the government’s intent to standardise benefits and incentivise professional development.
Beyond salary-related adjustments, the Federal Government has introduced a new exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the contributory pension framework. The scheme, which takes effect from January 1, 2026, guarantees 100 percent of a retiree’s full emoluments as an exit package in addition to their pension. Walson-Jack said the initiative is aimed at preserving dignity in retirement, stressing that no public servant should leave service without adequate financial support.
The government also confirmed the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, designed to provide financial protection for workers who suffer job-related injuries or death, further strengthening the social safety net within the public sector.
The reforms come amid sustained pressure from labour unions calling for improved welfare as rising living costs continue to erode purchasing power. They also build on earlier measures, including a 25 to 35 percent salary increase approved about two years ago across multiple salary structures in the public service.
At the subnational level, Seyi Makinde has introduced a ₦10,000 monthly transportation support fund for civil servants in Oyo State to cushion the impact of rising commuting costs. The governor said the intervention, which took effect in March 2026 and will run initially for three months, is a direct response to current economic realities.
“This support is a direct response to the realities our workers are facing,” Makinde said. “We understand that transportation costs have gone up significantly, and as a government, we must act to ease that burden.”
