LA SUITE APRÈS LA PUBLICITÉ

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially approved a comprehensive increase in allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants, aiming to bolster take-home pay and improve the living standards of the public workforce.

Announced by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, in Abuja, the decision was endorsed by the Federal Executive Council as part of a strategic reform package. These adjustments target both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure – CONPSS and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure – CONRAISS, ensuring that the financial relief reaches a broad spectrum of the workforce.

A central feature of this reform is the restructuring of peculiar allowances across all grade levels, which will provide a meaningful boost to the earnings of both junior and senior staff. Key revisions have been made to the Duty Tour Allowance – DTA, estacode, and book allowances under the Public Service Rules.

Notably, the government has approved a 100% DTA for civil servants attending approved training programs, even if the training occurs within their base of operations, such as Abuja. This policy shift ensures that workers are compensated for the rigors of professional development regardless of travel requirements.

In addition to immediate pay increases, the government is introducing robust social safety nets to ensure dignity for public servants beyond their years of active service. A new exit benefit scheme has been approved for those under the Contributory Pension Scheme, complementing the 100% gratuity policy enacted in March 2026.

Furthermore, the operationalization of the Employee Compensation Scheme now provides essential financial protection for workers or their families in the unfortunate event of job-related injuries or fatalities, marking a significant step toward comprehensive workplace security.

These federal interventions come as a direct response to mounting pressure from labor unions and the escalating cost of living that has strained household incomes nationwide. The current measures follow a previous salary increase of 25% to 35% implemented late last year, signaling a sustained effort by the administration to align public sector pay with economic realities.

By addressing both monthly stipends and long-term terminal benefits, the government hopes to foster a more motivated and productive civil service capable of driving national development.

The momentum for improved worker welfare is also gaining ground at the subnational level, with various state governments introducing complementary measures to assist their employees. In Ogun and Oyo States, governors have approved a N10,000 monthly transportation support allowance to help civil servants navigate the rising costs of fuel and commuting.

These synchronized efforts between the federal and state governments highlight a growing recognition of the need for urgent financial cushions to protect the purchasing power of the Nigerian public servant during challenging economic times.