The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive welfare package aimed at improving the living and working conditions of civil servants across Nigeria.
The reform includes an upward review of several allowances, expansion of retirement benefits, and strengthened compensation schemes designed to improve morale and productivity in the public service.
According to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, the reforms cover major allowances such as:
Duty Tour Allowance (DTA)
Estacode
Book allowance
Virtually all allowances under the Public Service Rules have now been reviewed upward.
A major highlight is the approval of 100% Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending approved training programmes, whether travel is involved or not.
The government also introduced a new retirement exit package under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
Under the new arrangement, retiring civil servants will receive:
100% of their total annual emoluments as exit benefit
In addition to their pension payments
Effective from January 1, 2026
Officials say the move is aimed at ensuring dignity and financial stability after retirement.
The Federal Government also operationalised an enhanced Employees’ Compensation Scheme, designed to support workers who suffer:
Work-related injuries
Occupational diseases
Disability or death in service
The scheme aims to ensure faster compensation and stronger workplace protection across federal institutions.
Experts say the reforms could:
Improve civil service productivity
Boost worker morale amid rising living costs
Strengthen trust in government employment systems
Reduce financial stress for retirees
However, analysts note that successful implementation will depend on consistent funding and enforcement across ministries.