Manny Ita –
The Federal Government has approved an increase in allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants in a move aimed at improving take-home pay across the Nigerian public service.
The announcement was made by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, during a press briefing in Abuja. The decision, endorsed by the Federal Executive Council, is part of broader reforms targeted at improving welfare and productivity in the public sector.
According to Walson-Jack, the review covers workers under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), ensuring wide coverage across the civil service. She said peculiar allowances have been restructured across all grade levels, resulting in improved earnings for both junior and senior civil servants.
The government also approved upward reviews of key allowances, including duty tour allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance, noting that most allowances under the Public Service Rules have now been revised. A major highlight of the changes is the approval of 100% Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending approved 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 said.
Beyond salary-related adjustments, the government also introduced a new exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme, aimed at ensuring dignity in retirement and better financial support after service. It also confirmed the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, which provides financial protection in cases of job-related injury or death.
The reforms come amid increasing pressure from labour unions over wages, as the rising cost of living continues to affect workers’ income. The Federal Government has in recent months rolled out additional welfare measures, including a 100% gratuity for retiring civil servants and earlier salary increases of between 25% and 35% across different salary structures.
At state level, similar interventions have also been introduced, including monthly transport allowances in some states to help workers cope with rising fuel and living costs.
