BREAKING: FEC Approves 100% Gratuity for Retiring Federal Civil Servants – Retirees Rejoice Across Nigeria!

Abuja, Nigeria – March 5, 2026.  The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a landmark policy granting 100% gratuity to retiring federal civil servants, a move aimed at boosting retirement benefits and enhancing welfare for public servants.

The decision was taken at the Council meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, and marks a significant reform in Nigeria’s civil service retirement framework. According to official sources, the policy will take effect from January 1, 2026.

Under the new scheme, eligible federal civil servants will receive a lump-sum gratuity equivalent to 100% of their total annual emoluments upon retirement. The policy is expected to apply to employees of treasury funded ministries, extra-ministerial departments, and federal agencies, and is designed to complement, not replace, the existing Contributory Pension Scheme.

The move follows recommendations from an inter-ministerial technical committee led by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), in consultation with the National Pension Commission (PenCom) and the Budget Office of the Federation.

In a statement, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, described the approval as a significant show of appreciation for the dedication and service of federal employees. She emphasized that the policy would boost morale, enhance retirement security, and motivate civil servants across the nation.

The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, also lauded the decision, stating that it aligns with existing pension laws and demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of public servants.

Experts have noted that the policy represents a major step forward in Nigeria’s public service sector, providing retirees with a more secure and dignified exit from government service, while encouraging a more motivated workforce in the civil service.

The FEC’s approval of the 100% gratuity is expected to have far-reaching implications for thousands of federal workers preparing for retirement, and it reflects a renewed focus on enhancing social protection and financial security for public sector employees.