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Abuja, March 5, 2026
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the implementation of a new Exit Benefit Scheme granting retiring Federal Civil Servants a gratuity equivalent to 100 per cent of their total annual emoluments.
The approval was announced in a press statement issued and signed by Eno Olotu, Director of Press and Public Relations in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
According to the statement, the decision followed extensive deliberations and technical contributions from an Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee established by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
“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 implementation framework for the scheme.
“The Exit Benefit Scheme is designed as a strategic enhancement to the existing Contributory Pension Scheme, providing an additional financial safety net for retiring officers in treasury-funded Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Agencies,” it explained.
The statement revealed that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, commended the council for “the landmark decision,” that reflects the government’s commitment to the welfare of civil servants.
She noted that the approval demonstrates the Tinubu administration’s recognition of the dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism of Federal Civil Servants.
“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.
“The Exit Benefit Scheme significantly enhances the retirement package of our officers and boosts confidence in the Federal Government’s commitment to their welfare.”
She added that the initiative aligns with ongoing reforms aimed at building a more motivated, performance-driven and people-centred Civil Service.
Walson-Jack further assured that detailed implementation guidelines for the scheme would be communicated in due course.
The approval marks the first time gratuity payments will be introduced for Federal Civil Servants, since the adoption of the Contributory Pension Scheme about 22 years ago.
According to the statement, the decision underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to policies that promote improved welfare for public servants while strengthening institutional reforms within the Federal Civil Service.
It was gathered that the scheme, which will take effect from January 1, 2026, to strengthen the welfare framework of the Federal Civil Service and ensure that officers who have served the nation for a minimum of 10 years retire with dignity and improved financial security.(PG)
