The Federal Government has approved a far-reaching review of allowances and welfare packages for civil servants, signalling a major shift in efforts to improve working conditions in the public service.

Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, announced the measures in Abuja, explaining that the reforms cut across key salary structures and are designed to cushion the impact of rising living costs on government workers.

The review covers officers under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure, ensuring that both core civil servants and research personnel benefit from the new regime.

Walson-Jack said peculiar allowances have been recalibrated to reflect all grade levels, guaranteeing that junior and senior staff see tangible increases in their earnings. She added that the adjustments were carefully structured to address long-standing complaints about stagnating pay and inadequate compensation for specialised duties.

Beyond peculiar allowances, the government has also approved an upward review of several critical benefits, including duty tour allowance, estacode and book allowance. According to Walson-Jack, virtually all allowances listed under the Public Service Rules have now been updated to reflect current economic realities.

One of the most notable changes is the approval of 100 percent duty tour allowance for civil servants attending approved training programmes, whether or not they travel outside their duty station. This means officers attending courses within the same city, including Abuja, will now receive full duty tour entitlements.

In a significant boost for retirees, the government has introduced a new exit benefit scheme for workers under the Contributory Pension Scheme. From January 1, 2026, retiring civil servants will be entitled to an exit package equivalent to 100 percent of their total annual emoluments, in addition to their pension benefits.

Walson-Jack described the initiative as a deliberate move to restore dignity in retirement and reduce the financial vulnerability many public servants face after leaving service.

The government has also confirmed the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, which provides financial protection for workers who suffer injuries, disabilities or death in the course of their duties.

The reforms follow sustained pressure from labour unions for improved welfare and are expected to enhance morale, reduce attrition and strengthen productivity across the federal bureaucracy.