Retiring State House staff to benefit from new gratuity scheme — Perm Sec

The Permanent Secretary, State House, Mr. Temitope Peter Fashedemi, says retiring State House staff will be among the first set of federal civil servants to benefit from the newly approved gratuity scheme introduced by the President Bola Tinubu administration.

Fashedemi disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during a send-off ceremony organised by the State House in honour of two retiring directors and two deputy directors.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the reintroduction of gratuity payments for retiring federal civil servants, in addition to pensions and other retirement benefits.

“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.

The Federal Government had in March 2026 approved a new gratuity scheme for federal civil servants, under which officers who have served at least 10 years will receive a gratuity equivalent to one year’s basic salary upon retirement. The scheme takes effect from January 1, 2026, and is designed to complement the Contributory Pension Scheme introduced in 2004.

Fashedemi said the policy reflects government’s commitment to improving the welfare of public servants, noting that retirement after years of service should be properly recognised.

“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 said.

He added that the Federal Government remains committed to staff welfare under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP25), which prioritises improved value for civil servants.

Also speaking, Director of Administration, State House, Alhaji Abdulkadir Idris, described the event as a celebration of meritorious service, commending the retirees for their dedication and professionalism.