The Federal Government has approved a wide-ranging welfare package for civil servants, including increased allowances and a ₦10 billion housing loan scheme aimed at improving living standards and boosting productivity across the public service.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, announced the reforms on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja, describing them as part of a broader effort to strengthen the civil service.
According to her, the government has approved a sweeping review of peculiar allowances affecting workers under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS).
The adjustments are expected to increase take-home pay for civil servants across all grade levels.
She added that key allowances, including Duty Tour Allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance, have been reviewed upward.
Beyond salary-related benefits, the government also introduced a new exit package for retiring civil servants under the contributory pension scheme.
The package provides 100 percent of a retiree’s total annual emoluments in addition to their pension, effective January 1, 2026.
The reforms also include the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, which offers financial protection to workers in cases of job-related injury or death.
*Housing Loan Scheme*
In a related development, the Federal Government approved a ₦10 billion housing loan scheme to support home ownership among civil servants.
The initiative will be implemented through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board.
Walson-Jack said the housing scheme is designed to enhance stability and improve job performance by enabling workers to secure permanent homes.
She described the combined measures as part of the administration’s broader governance philosophy, emphasising that a well-supported workforce is essential for effective service delivery.
The Head of Service also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise the civil service, including plans to transition to a more digital, paperless, and transparent system.
She noted that the reforms were achieved through collaboration among key government institutions, including the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Budget Office, and the Office of the Accountant General.
The reforms come amid rising cost-of-living pressures and growing calls from labour unions for improved worker welfare, with analysts suggesting the initiatives could significantly enhance morale and productivity within the public sector.
