The Federal Executive Council has approved the implementation of a new Exit Benefit Scheme that will grant retiring federal civil servants a gratuity equivalent to 100 percent of their total annual emolument.
The scheme which will take effect from January 1 2026 is aimed at ensuring that officers who have served the nation for at least ten years in the Federal Civil Service retire with dignity financial ility and improved welfare after leaving public service.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by Eno Olotu Director of Public Relations in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
According to the statement the approval followed extensive deliberations and technical work carried out by an Inter Ministerial Technical Committee elished by the office of the civil service head. The committee worked in collaboration with key government institutions including 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 the scheme.
The Exit Benefit Scheme will complement the existing contributory pension system and provide an additional financial safety net for federal workers in treasury funded ministries departments and agencies.
Reacting to the approval the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Didi Walson Jack described the decision as a major milestone for federal employees across the country. She noted that the initiative reflects the administration’s recognition of the dedication sacrifice and professionalism of public servants who have devoted many years of their lives to national development.
According to her the scheme significantly strengthens the retirement package of federal officers and demonstrates the government commitment to improving the welfare and financial security of civil servants after retirement.
She further explained that the initiative aligns with ongoing civil service reforms aimed at building a more motivated performance driven and people centred public service in Nigeria.
Detailed guidelines for the implementation of the scheme are expected to be released soon to ensure smooth execution across federal ministries departments and agencies.
The introduction of gratuity payments also comes twenty two years after Nigeria adopted the contributory pension scheme marking a renewed effort by the government to strengthen welfare policies and secure the future of the Federal Civil Service.
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