The Federal Government has approved a broad package of improved allowances and welfare benefits for federal civil servants, including upward reviews of peculiar allowances, Duty Tour Allowance, estacode and book allowance.

Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, announced the reforms during a press briefing in Abuja, saying the measures were designed to improve workers’ take-home pay, strengthen morale and support productivity across the Federal Civil Service. 

The review covers employees operating under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), with the revised peculiar allowances structured to apply across grade levels.

Walson-Jack said the review was intended to benefit both junior officers and senior professionals, while virtually all allowances provided for under the Public Service Rules were subjected to review. 

Among the allowances affected are Duty Tour Allowance (DTA), estacode and book allowance, with the government also approving full DTA for civil servants attending approved training programmes, irrespective of whether the training requires travel.

“Even if you are based in Abuja and attend training within Abuja, you are entitled to full DTA,” Walson-Jack said. 

The Federal Government has also introduced an enhanced retirement benefit for federal civil servants operating under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

Under the Exit Benefit Scheme, eligible retiring officers receive a gratuity equivalent to 100 per cent of their total annual emoluments, in addition to their pension. The scheme took effect from January 1, 2026. 

The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation said the exit benefit is specifically aimed at strengthening retirement security for federal workers and ensuring that officers who have devoted at least 10 years to national service can retire with greater financial security. 

Walson-Jack described the retirement intervention as part of efforts to protect the dignity of workers after years of public service, while the OHCSF said implementation guidelines would be communicated to relevant stakeholders.

The government has also confirmed the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, which provides financial protection for workers who suffer work-related injuries or death. 

The welfare measures form part of a wider Federal Civil Service reform programme that also includes initiatives aimed at professional development, digitalisation, performance management and improved working conditions.

The OHCSF subsequently clarified that while the Head of Service announced the broader welfare package, the statutory responsibility for issuing and communicating salary and allowance circulars rests with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. 

The clarification followed reports concerning a 40 per cent peculiar allowance, with the OHCSF stressing that it had neither approved nor formally conveyed such an allowance to labour unions.

The Federal Government’s allowance review comes against the backdrop of sustained pressure on workers’ incomes from rising living costs and calls by organised labour for improved welfare.

The government has framed the measures as part of efforts to strengthen the welfare architecture of the public service while encouraging civil servants to reciprocate improved benefits with higher productivity, professionalism and accountability.