The Federal Government has approved a fresh round of allowances and welfare enhancements for civil servants, aimed at boosting take-home pay and improving overall working conditions across the public service.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, announced the development during a press briefing in Abuja, noting that the decision received the backing of the Federal Executive Council as part of ongoing public sector reforms.
According to her, the review affects employees under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), ensuring a broad-based impact across cadres.
Walson-Jack explained that peculiar allowances have been restructured across all grade levels, resulting in noticeable increases in earnings for both junior and senior civil servants. Key components of the review include upward adjustments to duty tour allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance, with most provisions under the Public Service Rules now revised.
A standout feature of the reform is the approval of 100 per cent Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending officially approved training programmes, irrespective of travel requirements.
“Even if you are based in Abuja and attend training within Abuja, you are entitled to full DTA,” she said.
Expanded welfare measures
Beyond pay adjustments, the government also approved a new exit benefit scheme for retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme. The initiative, Walson-Jack said, is designed to enhance post-service financial security and ensure dignity in retirement.
Additionally, the government confirmed the full operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, which provides financial protection to workers in cases of job-related injury, disability, or death.
Context and recent developments
The measures come amid sustained pressure from labour unions for improved welfare, as rising living costs continue to erode workers’ purchasing power.
In March 2026, the Federal Executive Council approved a 100 per cent gratuity for retiring civil servants. This followed an earlier salary increase of between 25 and 35 per cent approved late last year across several salary structures, including CONPSS and CONRAISS.
At the subnational level, similar interventions are being implemented. In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde approved a N10,000 monthly transport allowance for civil servants to cushion rising commuting costs. A comparable measure has also been introduced by the Ogun State government as part of efforts to mitigate the impact of higher fuel prices and the broader cost-of-living pressures.
