Tinubu boosts civil servants’ allowances, approves 100% exit package

THE Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in peculiar allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants, in a move aimed at easing the impact of rising living costs and improving workers’ disposable income.

The new policy also introduces a full exit benefit for retirees, granting them 100 percent of their final total emoluments in addition to their pension. The scheme took effect from January 1, 2026, and is expected to benefit a wide range of public servants.

Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Ms Didi Walson-Jack, announced the development during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, outlining the government’s broader effort to strengthen worker welfare.

The latest adjustments build on earlier reforms, including the salary increase of between 25 percent and 35 percent approved two years ago for workers under various consolidated pay structures.

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According to the head of service, the current review specifically affects employees under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), with all grade levels – both junior and senior – set to benefit from improved earnings.

Beyond salaries, the government has reviewed several key allowances within the public service framework. These include full payment of duty tour allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance, as part of a broader revision of provisions in the Public Service Rules.

A major highlight of the reform is the approval of 100 percent DTA for civil servants attending official training programmes, regardless of whether travel is involved. This means workers participating in training within their duty locations are now entitled to the same allowance as those travelling.

In addition to compensation enhancements, the government has introduced an exit benefit scheme for retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, aimed at ensuring financial security and preserving dignity after service.

The administration also confirmed the implementation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, which provides financial protection for workers in cases of job-related injuries or death.

These measures come amid sustained pressure from labour unions calling for improved welfare packages, as inflation and the rising cost of living continue to strain household incomes.

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The affected salary structures span multiple sectors, including CONPSS, CONRAISS, the Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS), and the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS).

Overall, the reforms signal the government’s attempt to enhance compensation, strengthen social protection, and improve working conditions across Nigeria’s public service.