The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a new Exit Benefit Scheme granting retiring federal civil servants a gratuity equal to 100 per cent of their total annual emolument. The approval was given during the council’s meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
Chaired by Bola Tinubu, the council described the scheme as part of efforts to strengthen welfare provisions within the federal civil service.
Effective from January 1, 2026, the initiative ensures civil servants with a minimum of 10 years of service retire with dignity and financial security.
The announcement was made in a statement by Eno Olotu, Director of Public Relations, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. According to the statement, the approval followed extensive deliberations and technical input from an Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee set up 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 to design a sustainable implementation framework.
The Exit Benefit Scheme complements the existing Contributory Pension Scheme, offering an additional financial safety net for officers in treasury-funded ministries, extra-ministerial departments, and agencies.
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, described the approval as a milestone, noting it reflects recognition of the dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism of federal civil servants.
“This approval is a strong acknowledgement of the invaluable contributions of civil servants who have devoted their productive years to public service and national development. The Exit Benefit Scheme strengthens their retirement package and boosts confidence in the Federal Government’s commitment to their welfare,” Walson-Jack said.
She added that the initiative aligns with ongoing reforms to build a more motivated, performance-driven, and people-centred civil service, assuring that detailed implementation guidelines will be released soon.
The reintroduction of gratuity payments comes 22 years after the launch of the Contributory Pension Scheme, reflecting the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to improving civil servants’ welfare and securing their future.
