The Federal Government has announced plans to release guidelines for the payment of 100 per cent gratuity to retiring federal civil servants, in a move expected to strengthen post-retirement financial security.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, disclosed this on Friday at a news conference in Abuja, noting that disbursements would commence immediately after the guidelines are issued.
Mrs. Walson-Jack stated that the payments would apply to officers who retired from 1 January 2026, as well as those retiring subsequently. She explained that the initiative follows the earlier approval of a new exit benefit scheme for federal civil servants, designed to enhance retirement outcomes.
“Since the pronouncement on the exit benefit scheme, we stated clearly in the circular issued that guidelines would be coming out,” she said. “I can confirm that the guidelines will be out very soon, and once they are out, payments will begin for those who have retired since 1 January and for those retiring onwards.”
She further confirmed that the Federal Government had approved a revised exit benefit scheme granting retiring civil servants gratuity equivalent to 100 per cent of their total annual emolument, marking a significant shift in public sector compensation policy.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, said retirees with complete documentation would receive their benefits within 72 hours of exiting service.
“It is a process within 72 hours. If you have done your enrolment and all your documents are complete, within 72 hours you are paid your benefits,” she said.
Oloworaran added that the government is working to introduce a minimum pension guarantee to support retirees receiving low monthly pensions, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusive social protection. She noted that regulatory supervision of Pension Fund Administrators has been strengthened to safeguard pension assets and improve investment returns.
She also revealed plans to introduce a one-time enrolment process aimed at enabling the timely payment of accrued rights, while ensuring that pension contributions are invested earlier to optimise long-term value.
Oloworaran urged civil servants to complete their enrolment promptly once the circular is issued, emphasising that the reforms are intended to improve the efficiency, transparency, and reliability of pension administration in the public service.
