Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
In a landmark move to boost the welfare and economic well-being of Federal Civil Servants, the Federal Government has unveiled a far-reaching package of benefits ahead of the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration. Central to the initiative is the approval of a ₦10 billion housing loan scheme aimed at expanding access to affordable home ownership for public servants, alongside other welfare measures designed to improve their quality of life and financial security. This was contained in a statement signed by Eno Olotu, FCAI, mnipr, Director, Press, and Public Relations, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
Unveiling the historic approvals at a press briefing, Friday, 24 April 2026, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has fundamentally shifted the welfare of Civil Servants from rhetoric to reality.
While Congratulating Civil Servants on the landmark social benefits, Mrs. Walson-Jack emphasized that Workers’ Day is not only a moment to reflect on past struggles but also an opportunity to reaffirm commitment to workers’ welfare, renew the promise for the future, and ensure that those who serve the nation are treated with justice, fairness, and appreciation.
The approved welfare package also include, full Duty Tour Allowance for approved trainings, upward review of Peculiar Allowance across grade levels, and increases in Estacode, Book Allowance, and other entitlements to reflect current economic realities.
Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack acknowledged the collaborative contributions of key institution, including the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board, and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in strengthening and delivering improved welfare packages for Civil Servants.
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office-OHCSF, Dr. Usman Garba described the broad scope of the social welfare for Civil Servants as all-encompassing. He emphasized that a robust and well-structured welfare system is fundamental to enhancing productivity, boosting morale, and ensuring the overall well-being of officers in the Public Service.
The event marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Government Housing Loans Board and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, designed to ease access to affordable housing loans for federal civil servants.
The press briefing was attended by key government officials, including Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Parastatals, as well as the Heads of the eight Labour Unions that make up the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, and Civil Servants.
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