FEC Approves 100% Gratuity Exit Benefit for Federal Civil Servants

Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, announces the approval of a 100% gratuity Exit Benefit Scheme for retiring 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.

Tinubu postpones FEC meeting in honour of late COAS Lagbaja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in honour of the late Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on Tuesday night. Tinubu also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide for seven days in honour of the departed general. Lagbaja served as Chief of Army Staff from June 19, 2023, till his death on November 5, 2024. The postponement of the FEC meeting was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday, November 6. The statement reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, has ordered rescheduling the Federal Executive Council meeting till another date to be announced.” Initially scheduled for today, the council meeting was postponed in honour of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who passed away on Tuesday night. “General Lagbaja served as the Chief of Army Staff from June 19, 2023, till his death on November 5, 2024.” President Tinubu also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide for seven days in honour of the departed general.” Earlier today, President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Lagbaja family and the Nigerian Armed Forces. “He wished Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honoured his significant contributions to the nation.”