Federal executive council meeting | File photo
From our Correspondent, Abuja
A new exit benefit scheme for retiring Federal civil servants has been approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC); a gratuity equivalent to 100 percent of their total annual salary.
Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation made this known in a statement circulated on Thursday, 12 March, 2026 in Abuja.
The new scheme is backdated to take effect from January 1, 2026, it was stated.
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To qualify for the gratuity upon retirement, Federal civil servants need to work for a minimum of 10 years under the new scheme; in addition to benefits under the already existing contributory pension scheme.
According to the statement circulated amongst journalists in Abuja, the approval was a fall out of extensive deliberations and technical input from an inter-ministerial technical committee constituted by office of the Head of the civil service of the federation.
The committee worked with the National Pension Commission, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the office of the accountant-general of the federation to develop what it described as a sustainable implementation framework.
Head of the civil service of the federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, commended the council for approving the initiative she described as a major step, toward improving the welfare of federal civil servants.
Walson-Jack said the decision was a demonstration that the administration of President Bola Tinubu recognises the dedication and sacrifices of public servants.
“This approval is a profound acknowledgement of the invaluable contributions of our civil servants who have devoted their productive years to public service and national development.
“The exit benefit scheme significantly enhances the retirement package of our officers and boosts confidence in the federal government’s commitment to their welfare.”
She added; that the initiative was in agreement with ongoing reforms aimed at building a more motivated and performance-driven civil service.
As she stated; detailed implementation guidelines would be issued as time progresses.
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Key Details of the Approved Gratuity Scheme
Approval Body: Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Beneficiaries: Federal civil servants with a minimum of 10 years of service
Amount: 100% of the total annual salary.
Effective Date: January 1, 2026.
Purpose: To improve welfare, reduce financial hardship, and provide a dignified retirement.
Structure: This is in addition to the existing Contributory Pension Scheme, making it a separate, additional benefit.
This policy is coming 22 years after the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme,
as a part of broader reforms to strengthen the civil service; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, was quoted to have said via Facebook.
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