The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero, has commended the Federal Government’s approval of an enhanced gratuity scheme for retiring federal civil servants.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja, Ajaero described the move as a positive development that would provide financial support to workers at the end of their service.
Under the new scheme,retiring civil servants will receive gratuity equivalent to 100 per cent of their total annual emolument.
The benefit will be paid in addition to pensions under the Contributory Pension Scheme and applies to workers who have served for at least 10 years. The scheme takes effect from January 1, 2026.
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Ajaero explained that gratuity differs from pension, noting that it recognises the dedication and loyalty of civil servants while providing immediate financial assistance to start new ventures or manage personal affairs after retirement.
“The contributory pension scheme alone may not adequately support retirees immediately after leaving service, so gratuity provides immediate financial support to start something meaningful,” he said.
He also urged the government to ensure fairness for retirees who were previously denied gratuity, stressing that there is no law abolishing the benefit in the civil service.
Ajaero called on private sector organisations to adopt similar gratuity arrangements, saying it would encourage a culture of gratitude and fairness across all sectors.