The Federal Government has approved an upward review of peculiar allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants, in a move aimed at improving take-home pay and boosting workforce morale.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, announced the development during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday. She stated that the adjustments would affect employees under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), ensuring broad-based benefits across all cadres of the civil service.

According to her, the revised allowances have been structured to apply across all grade levels, resulting in improved earnings for both junior and senior officers.

As part of the reforms, the government also approved a review of key allowances, including Duty Tour Allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance. Walson-Jack noted that nearly all allowances captured in the Public Service Rules have been updated.

A major highlight of the reform is the approval of 100 per cent Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending authorised 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.

Beyond allowance adjustments, the Federal Government has introduced an exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme. Effective January 1, 2026, the scheme will provide retirees with 100 per cent of their final emoluments as a lump-sum exit package, in addition to their pension entitlements.

Walson-Jack explained that the initiative is designed to enhance dignity in retirement and ensure that public servants exit service with adequate financial support.

The government also confirmed the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, which is intended to provide financial protection for workers who suffer job-related injuries or death.

The latest measures come amid growing calls from labour unions for improved welfare for civil servants, as rising living costs continue to place pressure on workers. They also follow a previous salary adjustment approved about two years ago, which saw increases ranging from 25 to 35 per cent across several consolidated salary structures, including CONPSS, CONRAISS, CONPOSS, CONPASS, CONICCS, and CONAFSS.