…“this is your moment,” she told civil servants, assuring them that their dedication to national service is now being met.
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times| The Federal Government has rolled out a broad package of welfare reforms for civil servants, featuring increased allowances and a ₦10 billion housing loan scheme designed to reflect current economic realities.
At a press briefing in Abuja, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, said the initiative demonstrates the administration’s commitment to placing workers’ welfare at the heart of governance.
“This is your moment,” she told civil servants, assuring them that their dedication to national service is now being met with meaningful and practical support.
She credited the reforms to the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the administration has created an enabling environment for significant improvements in the lives of civil servants.
Walson-Jack described the measures as a mix of immediate relief and long-term support, marking what she called a clear shift from policy intentions to real, measurable benefits.
Central to the reform package is a new Exit Benefit Scheme, which guarantees 100 per cent of a retiring civil servant’s total annual emoluments. Scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026, the scheme is aimed at ensuring financial security and dignity after retirement.
She also announced the full implementation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, which provides support for workers affected by job-related injuries, disabilities, or death, thereby strengthening existing protection systems for civil servants and their families.
In addition, training and capacity development have been enhanced, with approval granted for full Duty Tour Allowance for officers attending programmes at designated government training institutions, regardless of travel requirements.
The government has also approved an upward review of the Peculiar Allowance across all grade levels, alongside increases in Duty Tour Allowance, estacode, and book allowances to better align with prevailing economic conditions.
A key highlight of the reforms is the ₦10 billion housing loan scheme, which is expected to improve access to home ownership and significantly boost the overall welfare of civil servants.
