Civil Servants Key Allowances Increased By The Federal Government

The Federal Government has approved a new set of welfare reforms for civil servants, including the introduction of a 100 per cent Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) increase for workers attending approved training programmes, regardless of location, as well as a new exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, announced the decisions during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday. She explained that the new exit package allows retiring civil servants to receive 100 per cent of their total annual emoluments in addition to their pension, and noted that the revised structure applies across both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS).

Key Allowances Increased By The Federal Government

The Federal Government approved increases in major welfare components, including Duty Tour Allowance (DTA), estacode, kilometre allowance, book allowance, and other training and sector-specific benefits for civil servants on Grade Levels 01–17.

The review, conveyed through a circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), outlines adjustments across allowances tied to official travel, professional development, and operational duties.

“In line with the provision of Rule 140101(b) of the Federal Public Service Rules (2021 edition), the commission hereby conveys approval for the review of the following allowances for officers on GL 01–17
“This approval takes effect from 1st October, 2026,” Nta said.

How Much Was It Increased To

Under the revised structure, Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) has been significantly increased across all grade levels. Senior officers on GL 16–17 will now receive N109,000, while those on GL 01–04 will earn N30,000.

Kilometre allowance for official travel was also reviewed, with permanent secretaries now entitled to N664 per kilometre, while officers on GL 01–04 will receive N174 per kilometre.

Estacode for foreign trips was adjusted, with permanent secretaries earning $1,040, officers on GL 15–17 receiving $737, and those on GL 01–06 getting $357.

“The commission hereby conveys approval for the review of… allowances contained in the Public Service Rules (2021 Edition),” Nta reiterated.

For training and development, civil servants on long-term courses (one year or more) will receive N150,000 as book and project allowances, while those on shorter courses will get N125,000. Local course allowances were also increased, with GL 16–17 officers earning N33,877.5 per day and GL 01–04 officers receiving N9,034.1 per day.

Why The Allowance Review Matters

Duty Tour Allowance, estacode, and book allowance are critical to supporting the welfare and efficiency of public servants. DTA covers accommodation and feeding during official trips within Nigeria, while estacode provides similar support in foreign currency for international assignments. Book allowance supports access to professional and academic materials.

Over time, inflation, exchange rate volatility, and rising living costs have eroded the value of these allowances. Many civil servants had complained that previous rates were outdated, often forcing them to supplement official expenses with personal funds.

Additional Benefits And Sector-Specific Adjustments

The revised package also introduces improvements in sector-specific allowances. Science and mathematics teachers on GL 14 will receive up to N480,000 annually, while laboratory attendants on the same level will earn N216,000 per year.

Other provisions include a disengagement allowance, a resettlement allowance pegged at 10 per cent of annual consolidated salary, and a non-accident bonus of N150,000 annually for eligible drivers.

“Any allowance that is listed under PSR 140102 without monetary values… or is not listed in the PSR but is in operation… will be addressed through specific circulars by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission,” Nta explained.

Implementation Timeline And Policy Context

The Federal Government has set October 1, 2026, as the effective date for implementing the new allowances, allowing ministries, departments, and agencies time to adjust their budgets and payroll systems.

The reform is anchored on the Public Service Rules (2021 Edition) and forms part of broader efforts to improve worker welfare, including recent policy changes in housing loans and retirement benefits.

According to Walson-Jack, “The revised allowance has been structured to reflect across all grade levels, resulting in a meaningful increase in take-home pay across different cadres.”

Labour Union Reaction

Despite the increase, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) described the adjustment as insufficient in addressing the impact of inflation on workers.

The Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, stated, “While the gesture is appreciated, it certainly is not enough considering the depth and breadth of the material conditions of workers this very moment.
“Accordingly, we urge employers, especially, government at all levels, to deepen their scope of interventions,” Upah said.