Government boosts benefits and compensation for public sector employees

Peculiar allowances, welfare benefits, and exotic packages for civil servants have been increased by the Federal Government, as announced by Nigeria's Head of the Civil Service, Didi Walson-Jack, during a briefing in Abuja on Friday.

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This move is anticipated to enhance the take-home pay of civil servants and bolster the morale of the government's workforce, with the increment affecting workers under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure, CONPSS, and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure, CONRAISS.

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According to Walson-Jack, the allowances have been structured to reflect across all grade levels, resulting in better earnings for both senior and junior officers, with almost all allowances in the Public Service Rules revised.

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A key reform introduced is the approval of 100 percent DTA for civil servants attending approved training programmes, regardless of whether travel is involved or not, with Walson-Jack noting that even those based in Abuja and attending training within Abuja are entitled to full DTA.

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Beyond salary-related adjustments, the Federal Government has introduced an exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme, which provides 100 percent of a retiree's full emoluments as an exit package, in addition to their pension, effective January 1, 2026.

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The head of service views this move as part of efforts to enhance dignity in retirement, emphasizing that no public servant should leave service without adequate financial support.

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The Federal Government has also confirmed the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, aimed at financially protecting workers who suffer job-related injuries or death.

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Nigeria's latest reforms come in response to increased calls from labour unions for improved welfare for civil servants, as the cost of living continues to soar, putting additional pressure on workers.

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This development occurs approximately two years after the Federal Government approved a salary rise of between 25 percent and 35 percent for civil servants on the remaining six consolidated salary structures.

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The salary structures include the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure, CONPSS; Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure, CONRAISS; Consolidated Police Salary Structure, CONPOSS; Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure, CONPASS; Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure, CONICCS, and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure, CONAFSS.