FEC Approves 100% Gratuity Exit Benefit for Federal Civil Servants

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the implementation of a landmark 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, marks a significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the welfare structure of the civil service and ensure that officers who have served the nation for a minimum of ten years retire with financial security and dignity. The approval followed extensive deliberations and technical work by an Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee established by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. 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 design a sustainable implementation framework. According to the government, the Exit Benefit Scheme serves as a strategic enhancement to the existing Contributory Pension Scheme. It is intended to provide retiring officers in treasury-funded ministries, extra-ministerial departments, and agencies with a substantial financial cushion at the point of retirement. Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, described the approval as a watershed moment for Nigeria’s public service. She commended the Federal Executive Council for endorsing what she called a transformative policy that recognises the dedication and sacrifices of federal civil servants. In a Press Statement, by Eno Olotu, Director, Press and Public Relations Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Walson-Jack was reported to have said, “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.” She noted that the new Exit Benefit Scheme significantly strengthens the retirement package available to federal officers and reinforces confidence in the government’s commitment to the welfare of civil servants. The Head of Service also stated that the initiative aligns with ongoing reforms aimed at building a more motivated, performance-driven and people-centred civil service. She added that detailed implementation guidelines for the scheme will be released in due course. The reintroduction of gratuity payments comes 22 years after Nigeria adopted the Contributory Pension Scheme. The Federal Government said the latest approval demonstrates its continued commitment to policies that improve the welfare of civil servants while deepening reforms designed to secure the future of the federal public service.

Prof Tunji Olaopa Is New Chair Of 12-Member Federal Civil Service Commission

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new leadership for the Federal Civil Service (FCSC). The team is subject to the confirmation of the Senate. Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, in a statement in Abuja, said that Prof. Tunji Olaopa would chair the leadership. He named the members to include Mr Daudu Jalo, representing Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba States and Ms Gekpe Grace Isu, member representing Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. Others are Dr Chamberlain Nwele representing Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu Sates, while Mr Rufus Godwins will represent Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa States. Dr Adamu Husseini will represent Niger and FCT, Mr Aminu Nabegu, Jigawa and Kano States, while Ms Hindatu Abdullahi will represent Kaduna and Katsina States. Others include Mr Shehu Aliyu, member representing Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States, while Ms Odekunle Aduke will represent Kogi and Kwara States. Mr Jide Jimoh is appointed to represent Lagos and Ogun States while Dr. Festus Oyebade will represent Osun and Oyo. “Upon confirmation, the new FCSC leadership is expected to commence work with effect from Nov. 30, 2023 as the tenure of the current leadership Chairman and membership expires Nov. 29. “The President anticipates that the new FCSC leadership will competently facilitate the transformation, reorientation and digitisation of the federal bureaucracy. “This will enable, and not stifle, growth and enhanced private sector participation in the development of the Nigerian economy, in full adherence to the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement added.