The federal government has approved a sweeping increase in peculiar allowances and other welfare benefits for civil servants in order to improve their take-home pay and thus boost their morale.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, who disclosed this Friday during a press briefing in Abuja, outlined key reforms endorsed by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
According to Walson-Jack, the review affects workers under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), ensuring a broad-based impact across all cadres.
She said the revised peculiar allowances had been structured to reflect across all grade levels, resulting in a meaningful increase in earnings for both junior and senior officers.
Also, the government approved an upward review of several key allowances, including duty tour allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance. Walson-Jack noted that virtually all allowances listed under the Public Service Rules have now been revised.
Blueprint reports that 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 was involved.
“Even if you are based in Abuja and attend training within Abuja, you are entitled to full DTA,” she said.
Blueprint also reports that the government also introduced a new exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
The scheme provides 100 per cent of a retiree’s total annual emoluments as an exit package, in addition to their pension, effective January 1, 2026.
According to Walson-Jack, the move is a step toward ensuring dignity in retirement, and 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.
