FG approves pay rise for civil servants

The Federal Government has approved a major package of salary-related reforms for civil servants, including an increase in peculiar allowances, upward review of key benefits, and a new retirement exit scheme aimed at improving welfare across the public service.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while briefing journalists on recent decisions of the Federal Executive Council.

She said the reforms cut across officers on the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure, noting that the adjustments would have a widespread impact across cadres.

“There has been a comprehensive review and increase in the peculiar allowance for officers on the consolidated public service salary structure and the consolidated research and allied institutions salary structure,” she said.

According to her, the revised framework has been structured to ensure improved earnings for workers at all levels.

“The revised allowance has been structured to reflect across all grade levels, resulting in a meaningful increase in take-home pay across different cadres,” she added.

Walson-Jack said the review is part of a broader effort to strengthen worker welfare and retain talent within the civil service.

“So whether you are a junior officer or a senior professional, this improvement is designed specifically for you,” she said.

She also announced an upward review of several allowances, including duty tour allowance, estacode, and book allowance, describing the move as a comprehensive overhaul of existing welfare provisions.

“There has been an upward revision of key allowances, including duty tour allowance, estacode, and book allowance,” she said.

“In fact, if you are a civil servant who is familiar with the provisions of the Public Service Rules, all those allowances have been reviewed.”

Walson-Jack said the reforms reflect the government’s renewed focus on human capital development within the public service.

“This sends an unambiguous message: the Federal Government believes in investing in its people, and the barrier of financial inconvenience will no longer stand between a civil servant and professional growth,” she said.

A major highlight of the reforms is the approval of 100 per cent Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) for civil servants attending approved training programmes, whether or not travel is involved.

“The Federal Government has approved the payment of full duty tour allowance—100 per cent—for civil servants attending approved training programmes at designated institutions, irrespective of whether the officer needs to travel,” she said.

“In other words, even if you are based in Abuja and attend training within Abuja, you are entitled to 100 per cent DTA.”

Walson-Jack also announced a new exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme, describing it as a landmark welfare intervention.

She said the scheme provides 100 per cent of a retiring worker’s total annual emoluments as an exit benefit, effective January 1, 2026.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the exit benefit scheme is in addition to the pension of a civil servant,” she clarified.

“No civil servant who has dedicated their working life to this nation should walk out of government empty-handed.”

She further disclosed the activation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, which provides protection for workers affected by job-related injuries or death.

“A civil servant should never have to worry that an accident at work will leave their family without support. That assurance is now in place,” she said.

Peculiar allowances are special payments designed to cover job-specific demands not captured in basic salaries. Labour unions have long pushed for their review amid rising cost of living.

The latest package forms part of broader civil service reforms aimed at improving efficiency, welfare, and productivity across federal institutions.