Retiring staff of the State House, Abuja, have become the first group of federal civil servants to benefit from a newly approved gratuity scheme introduced under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Permanent Secretary of the State House, Temitope Fashedemi, disclosed this on Thursday during a send-off ceremony organised for two directors and two deputy directors retiring from service.
According to a statement issued by Director of Information and Public Relations, Abiodun Oladunjoye, the policy was approved earlier this year and will take effect from 1 January 2026.
Fashedemi explained that the scheme, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in March, is designed to enhance retirement benefits for civil servants who have served for at least 10 years.
Under the arrangement, eligible retiring officers will receive a gratuity equivalent to one year of their basic salary in addition to their pension benefits under the existing Contributory Pension Scheme.
According to him, the initiative is intended to recognise and reward years of dedicated public service while strengthening employee welfare within the federal civil service.
He noted that President Tinubu approved the reintroduction of gratuity payments as part of broader reforms under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2025 (FCSSIP 25).
Fashedemi informed the retiring officers that they were among the first beneficiaries of the new scheme, adding that retirement after 35 years of service or upon attaining the age of 60 should be viewed as a milestone worthy of celebration.
“When people work hard for the government and spend so many years in service, they deserve to be recognised and celebrated,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary commended the retirees for their professionalism, dedication, and integrity, noting that they had served the nation with distinction.
He added that the State House has continued to implement programmes aimed at recognising and honouring employees both during active service and upon retirement.
Also speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, praised the retirees for their commitment to public service, while former Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nnamdi Mbaeri, encouraged serving officers to remain dedicated to excellence and professionalism.
Earlier, Director of Administration, Alhaji Abdulkadir Idris, described the ceremony as a celebration of service, commitment, and national contribution.
The retirees honoured at the event included Francis Wasa, Director of ICT; Adenike Akintola, Director of Internal Audit; and Esiyede Godwin, Deputy Director, Library and Archives. Another retired officer, Bukar Usman Goni, was recognised in absentia.
Responding on behalf of the retirees, Wasa expressed appreciation to the State House management for the recognition and wished serving officers success in their careers and fulfilment in retirement.
