FG Approves Increase in Alowances, Boosts Welfare for Civil Servants

The Federal Government has approved an increase in allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants across Nigeria’s public service, in a move aimed at improving take-home pay and strengthening worker welfare.

The announcement was made in Abuja by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, during a press briefing.

She said the decision, approved by the Federal Executive Council, is part of broader reforms targeted at improving productivity and welfare across the public sector.

According to her, the review covers employees under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), ensuring broad coverage across federal ministries and agencies.

Walson-Jack explained that peculiar allowances have been restructured across all grade levels, resulting in improved earnings for both junior and senior civil servants.

She added that key allowances such as Duty Tour Allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance have been reviewed upward, with most allowances under the Public Service Rules now adjusted.

A major highlight of the reform is the approval of 100% Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending approved training programmes, regardless of whether travel is involved.

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

The government also approved a new exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme, aimed at improving financial security and dignity after service.

In addition, the Employee Compensation Scheme has been operationalised to provide financial protection for workers in cases of injury or death linked to official duties.

The reforms come amid sustained pressure from labour unions over rising living costs and inflation, which have continued to erode real incomes.

In recent months, government interventions have included salary increases of between 25% and 35% across several public service structures, alongside earlier approval of enhanced retirement benefits.

At the subnational level, some state governments have also introduced support measures such as monthly transport allowances to ease the impact of rising fuel and living costs on workers.

The latest approval is expected to further shape discussions around public sector remuneration, welfare sustainability, and broader economic reform efforts in Nigeria.