FG increases civil servants allowances

In what could be described as a move aimed at improving take-home pay and boosting morale across the public service, the Federal Government of Nigeria has approved an increase in peculiar allowances and other welfare benefits for civil servants in Nigeria.

According to Punch newspapers, the development was contained in an announcement made on Friday by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, during a press briefing in Abuja.

Walson-Jack outlined key reforms endorsed by the Federal Executive Council and the review she said affects workers under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS) to ensure a broad-based impact across all cadres.

She said the revised peculiar allowances have been structured to reflect across all grade levels, resulting in a meaningful increase in earnings for both junior and senior officers, stressing that virtually all allowances listed under the Public Service Rules have now been revised.

In addition, the government also approved an upward review of several key allowances, including duty tour allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance.

A major highlight of the reform is the approval of 100 percent Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending approved training programmes, regardless of whether travel is involved.

“Even if you are based in Abuja and attend training within Abuja, you are entitled to full DTA,” she said.

Beyond salary-related adjustments, the government also introduced a new exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme. The scheme provides 100 percent of a retiree’s total annual emoluments as an exit package, in addition to their pension, effective January 1, 2026.

Walson-Jack described the move as a step toward ensuring 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