By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Federal Government has approved an upward review of allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants, aimed at improving take-home pay and boosting morale across the public service.
The announcement was made on Friday in Abuja, by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, following approval by the Federal Executive Council.
The reforms cover workers under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), with adjustments cutting across all grade levels.
According to Walson-Jack, the revised package includes an increase in peculiar allowances for both junior and senior officers, as well as an upward review of Duty Tour Allowance (DTA), estacode, book allowance, and other entitlements under the Public Service Rules.
A key highlight of the reform is the new policy on training-related benefits, which now grants civil servants 100% Duty Tour Allowance for approved training programmes, even when such training takes place within their duty location.
“Even if you are based in Abuja and attend training within Abuja, you are entitled to full DTA,” Walson-Jack stated.
The government also approved a new retirement benefit package under the Contributory Pension Scheme, which provides retirees with 100% of their total annual emoluments at the point of exit, effective January 1, 2026, in addition to existing pension entitlements.
In addition, a Worker Protection Scheme has been introduced under the Employee Compensation Scheme to support civil servants in cases of workplace injury or death in service.
Officials say the reforms are part of efforts to cushion the impact of rising living costs and address long-standing concerns raised by labour unions.
