FG approves full gratuity for retiring civil servants.

The Federal Executive Council has approved the introduction of a new Exit Benefit Scheme that will grant retiring federal civil servants a gratuity equivalent to 100 per cent of their total annual emolument.

The scheme, which takes effect from January 1, 2026, represents a major step in the Federal Government’s effort to strengthen the welfare system within the civil service, ensuring that officers who have served for at least 10 years retire with improved financial security.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Eno Olotu.

According to the statement, the approval followed extensive consultations and technical contributions from an Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee set up by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The committee worked alongside the National Pension Commission, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to develop a sustainable framework for implementing the scheme.

The Exit Benefit Scheme is designed to complement the existing Contributory Pension Scheme by providing additional financial support for retiring officers in treasury-funded ministries, extra-ministerial departments and agencies.

The Didi Walson-Jack commended the council for what she described as a landmark approval, noting that it demonstrates the government’s recognition of the dedication and contributions of federal civil servants.

She said the new scheme would significantly improve the retirement benefits of public servants and strengthen confidence in the government’s commitment to their welfare.

Walson-Jack added that the initiative aligns with ongoing reforms aimed at building a more motivated, performance-driven and people-focused civil service. She also assured that detailed implementation guidelines would be released in due course.

The introduction of the gratuity payment comes 22 years after the adoption of the Contributory Pension Scheme and underscores the Federal Government’s continued efforts to enhance the welfare and future security of civil servants.