The announcement was made in Abuja by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, following the endorsement of the measures by the Federal Executive Council.
According to Walson-Jack, the reform targets workers under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), ensuring that the impact cuts across multiple cadres within the federal workforce.
She explained that peculiar allowances have been comprehensively reviewed and adjusted upward across all grade levels, resulting in improved earnings for both junior and senior officers. In addition, key components of civil servants’ compensation—including Duty Tour Allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance—have been significantly increased, with nearly all allowances captured under the Public Service Rules undergoing revision.
A major highlight of the reform is the approval of 100 per cent Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending officially approved training programmes.
Walson-Jack clarified that eligibility for full DTA now applies even when such training takes place within the same duty location, marking a departure from previous limitations.
Beyond enhancements to active service benefits, the government has introduced a new exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme. Effective from January 1, 2026, retirees will be entitled to receive 100 per cent of their total annual emoluments as an exit package, in addition to their pension benefits.
Describing the initiative as a critical step toward ensuring dignity in retirement, Walson-Jack emphasised that no public servant should exit service without adequate financial security after years of contribution to national development.
The Federal Government also confirmed the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, designed to provide financial protection and support for workers who suffer job-related injuries or fatalities in the course of duty.
The sweeping reforms come against the backdrop of growing agitation by labour unions and civil service stakeholders over declining purchasing power amid rising living costs. Analysts note that the combined measures could significantly enhance the welfare of public servants, improve productivity, and strengthen institutional efficiency across government ministries, departments, and agencies.
With these changes, the government signals a renewed commitment to repositioning the civil service as a motivated, performance-driven workforce capable of delivering on national priorities.
