The Federal Government has approved an increase in allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants, in a move aimed at improving take-home pay and boosting morale across the public service.
Nigeria’s Head of the Civil Service, Didi Walson-Jack, announced the development during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, describing it as part of broader reforms to enhance workers’ welfare.
According to her, the adjustments affect employees under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), ensuring that the benefits cut across all levels of the civil service.
Walson-Jack explained that the revised allowances have been structured to impact both senior and junior officers, resulting in improved earnings across grade levels.
Key Allowances Reviewed
The government has also approved a comprehensive review of several key allowances, including:
- Duty Tour Allowance (DTA)
- Estacode
- Book allowance
She noted that nearly all allowances captured in the Public Service Rules have been updated to reflect current economic realities.
A major highlight of the reform is the approval of 100% Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) for civil servants attending official 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 stated.
New Retirement and Worker Protection Measures
Beyond salary-related changes, the Federal Government has introduced an enhanced exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
The scheme, effective from January 1, 2026, guarantees 100% of a retiree’s full emoluments as an exit package, in addition to their pension benefits.
Walson-Jack said the initiative is designed to ensure dignity in retirement, stressing that no public servant should exit service without adequate financial support.
In addition, the government confirmed the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, aimed at providing financial protection for workers who suffer job-related injuries or death.
Response to Economic Pressures
The reforms come amid increasing pressure from labour unions for improved worker welfare, as rising inflation and living costs continue to strain household incomes.
They also build on earlier efforts by the Federal Government, which approved a 25% to 35% salary increase for civil servants across six major salary structures, including CONPSS, CONRAISS, and others within the public service.
State-Level Support Measures
At the state level, Seyi Makinde has introduced additional relief measures for workers. The Oyo State Government recently announced a ₦10,000 monthly transportation support allowance for civil servants to cushion the impact of rising transport costs.
Makinde said the initiative, which took effect in March 2026 and will initially run for three months, is part of efforts to ease financial pressure on workers and ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
“This support is a direct response to the realities our workers are facing,” the governor said, noting that transport costs have risen sharply.
Outlook
The combined federal and state-level interventions signal a renewed focus on improving the welfare of civil servants in Nigeria, as the government seeks to balance economic pressures with workforce stability and productivity.
About the Author
