The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a sweeping increase in Nigerian civil service salary increase packages, alongside enhanced public service welfare benefits, to boost worker morale. This move aims to combat the rising cost of living that continues to strain the pockets of public employees across the nation.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, announced the decision on Friday during a high-profile press briefing in Abuja. She outlined several key reforms recently endorsed by the Federal Executive Council, which are designed to improve take-home pay immediately.
Expanding the Scope of Federal Government of Nigeria Reforms
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). This ensures that the impact of the Nigerian civil service salary increase is felt across all cadres, from junior staff to senior management.
“The revised peculiar allowances have been structured to reflect across all grade levels, resulting in a meaningful increase in earnings for both junior and senior officers,” she explained. By adjusting these rates, the government aims to stabilise household finances and improve overall public sector productivity.
Revamping Civil Servant Peculiar Allowances
Beyond base salary adjustments, the government has completed a comprehensive review of the civil servant peculiar allowances outlined in the Public Service Rules. Crucial payments like the duty tour allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance have all been adjusted upward to reflect current economic realities.
A standout component of these reforms is the new policy on duty tour allowances for training programmes. Previously, civil servants often struggled with the logistical costs of professional development. Now, the government has approved a 100 percent payment rate for any staff attending approved training, regardless of their location.
“Even if you are based in Abuja and attend training within Abuja, you are entitled to full DTA,” she said.
Beyond the Nigerian Civil Service Salary Increase
The government has also introduced a robust exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme, effective January 1, 2026. This scheme provides an additional 100 percent of a retiree’s total annual emoluments as a terminal package.
Walson-Jack described this as a vital step toward ensuring dignity in retirement, stressing that “no public servant should leave service without adequate financial support.”
Furthermore, the administration has formalised the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme. This framework provides essential financial protection for workers who suffer job-related injuries or, in tragic circumstances, loss of life. These steps come as a direct response to consistent calls from labour unions for better treatment of the workforce. By addressing these core welfare needs, the government hopes to foster a more stable and efficient public sector, ultimately benefiting the citizens who rely on these services daily.
