Tinubu Approves One-Year Salary Gratuity for Retiring Federal Workers

Tinubu Approves One-Year Salary Gratuity for Retiring Federal Workers

ABUJA — Retiring personnel of the State House will be among the first federal workers to benefit from the newly approved gratuity scheme for civil servants introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Mr. Temitope Fashedemi, has revealed.

Fashedemi made the disclosure on Thursday during a send-off ceremony organised in Abuja to honour two retiring directors and two deputy directors, describing the initiative as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the welfare of public servants before and after retirement.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations, State House, Mr. Abiodun Oladunjoye, the Permanent Secretary praised President Tinubu for approving the return of gratuity payments for retiring federal workers in addition to pensions and other retirement entitlements.

The development follows the approval of a new federal civil service gratuity scheme by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in March 2026. Under the policy, officers who have completed a minimum of 10 years in service will be entitled to a gratuity equivalent to one year of their total annual emolument upon retirement, with effect from January 1, 2026.

The scheme was introduced following recommendations by an inter-ministerial technical committee established by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in collaboration with key government agencies. It is designed to complement the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) introduced in 2004, which largely eliminated gratuity payments for federal civil servants.

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Speaking at the ceremony, Fashedemi noted that some of the retiring officers being honoured would be among the first beneficiaries of the new retirement package.

“Mr President approved the introduction of gratuity for retiring civil servants, and some of you are among the first set of civil servants that will benefit from it,” he said.

He explained that the policy reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that workers who dedicate decades of service to the nation are properly rewarded and supported after leaving active service.

The Permanent Secretary described retirement after 35 years of service or upon attaining the age of 60 as a significant milestone that deserves recognition and celebration.

“We take it that when people work hard for government and put in all these years of service, they need to be recognised and celebrated,” he added.

Fashedemi further linked the initiative to the implementation of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 25), which prioritises employee welfare, productivity and institutional reforms across the public service.

According to him, the State House has institutionalised programmes aimed at recognising exceptional officers during active service and celebrating them upon retirement.

He also commended the retirees for their professionalism, discipline, integrity and commitment to national service throughout their careers.

“It is not easy to do all this work and retire peacefully. All of you have successfully achieved that, and it is no mean feat,” he stated.

The approval of the gratuity scheme has been widely welcomed by civil servants and labour groups, many of whom had long advocated the restoration of gratuity payments to improve the welfare of retirees under the contributory pension system.

Observers say the policy is expected to boost morale within the Federal Civil Service, provide greater financial security for retirees and strengthen confidence in government efforts to improve workers’ welfare.

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, praised the retiring officers for their dedication and service to the country.

Former Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, Dr. Nnamdi Mbaeri, also highlighted the importance of commitment, professionalism and hard work in public service.

Earlier, the Director of Administration, State House, Alhaji Abdulkadir Idris, described the ceremony as a celebration of distinguished officers who had rendered meritorious service to Nigeria and wished them a fulfilling retirement.

The officers honoured included Mr. Francis Wasa, Director of ICT; Mrs. Adenike Akintola, Director of Internal Audit; and Mr. Esiyede Godwin, Deputy Director, Library and Archives.

Another retiree, Bukar Usman Goni, a Deputy Director in the Finance and Accounts Department who was absent from the ceremony, was also recognised for his contributions.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Wasa thanked the State House management for the honour and prayed that serving officers would enjoy successful careers and retire in good health, peace and fulfilment.

With the implementation of the new gratuity scheme for federal civil servants, the Federal Government hopes to provide additional financial support for retirees and reinforce the value of long-term public service.

Tinubu Approves One-Year Salary Gratuity for Retiring Federal Workers