By Joy Yesufu
The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive upward review of peculiar allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants, in a move aimed at improving earnings and boosting morale across the public service.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, announced the reforms on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja, following approval by the Federal Executive Council.
According to her, the review covers employees under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), ensuring broad-based benefits across cadres.
Walson-Jack said the revised peculiar allowances have been adjusted across all grade levels, resulting in improved take-home pay for both junior and senior officers.
She added that several key allowances—including Duty Tour Allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance—have been increased, noting that most allowances provided under the Public Service Rules have now been reviewed.
A major highlight of the reform is the approval of 100 per cent Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending officially approved training programmes, irrespective 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 adjustments, the government also introduced a new exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
The scheme provides retirees with 100 per cent of their total annual emoluments as an exit package, in addition to their pension, with effect from January 1, 2026.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a significant step toward ensuring dignity in retirement, stressing that public servants should not exit service without adequate financial support.
The government further confirmed the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, designed to provide financial protection for workers who suffer job-related injuries or death.
The reforms come amid mounting pressure from labour unions for improved welfare, as rising living costs continue to erode purchasing power.
Analysts say the measures could enhance financial stability for civil servants and improve productivity across the public sector.
