The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has announced a new Exit Benefit Scheme which allows retiring federal civil servants to obtain a gratuity that equals 100 percent of their annual salary.
This initiative, set to launch on January 1, 2026, aims to provide civil servants with improved financial stability and dignity upon their retirement, especially for those who have dedicated at least a decade to the Federal Civil Service.
The announcement was made public through a statement from Eno Olotu, who serves as the Director of Public Relations in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
As stated in the release, the decision followed extensive discussions and received technical advice from an Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee established by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service. The committee collaborated with the National Pension Commission, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to craft a sustainable framework for the initiative.
The Exit Benefit Scheme is intended to complement the current Contributory Pension Scheme, providing additional financial protection for federal employees in treasury-funded ministries, extra-ministerial departments, and government agencies.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, hailed the approval as a significant advancement for federal workers. She emphasized that this decision signifies the administration’s acknowledgment of the dedication and sacrifices made by civil servants in serving the nation.
"This approval is a remarkable recognition of the essential contributions of our Civil Servants who have committed their lives to public service and national progress. The Exit Benefit Scheme greatly enhances the retirement benefits of our officers and reinforces confidence in the Federal Government’s commitment to their welfare," she remarked.
Walson-Jack also noted that this policy is in line with ongoing reforms designed to create a more motivated, efficient, and people-centric Civil Service. Furthermore, she assured that comprehensive implementation guidelines for the scheme will be provided shortly.
The reinstatement of gratuity payments to federal civil servants comes two decades after the inception of the Contributory Pension Scheme, highlighting the government's dedication to reinforcing welfare initiatives and enhancing the retirement benefits of public servants.
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