**Federal Workers Get 100% Annual Salary as Gratuity, A New Dawn for Retirees** For decades, retiring federal workers in Nigeria have had to rely on the Contributory Pension Scheme, which can sometimes fall short of their expectations. However, this narrative is set to change with the recent approval of a new Exit Benefit Scheme by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). From January 1, 2026, retirees in the federal civil service will receive a gratuity equal to 100% of their total annual earnings. This development is a significant milestone in the welfare policies of the federal government, as it provides an additional layer of financial security for those who have dedicated at least 10 years of their productive years to serving the nation. The scheme is designed to complement the existing pension scheme, ensuring that retirees from treasury-funded ministries, extra-ministerial departments, and government agencies receive a more robust retirement package. According to sources, the approval was the result of thorough discussions and technical recommendations from an Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee. The committee worked with key stakeholders, including the National Pension Commission, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, to develop a workable and sustainable framework for the scheme. The move is seen as a testament to the government's commitment to the welfare of its workers, who have made significant contributions to the country's growth and development. Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, hailed the approval as a landmark step for federal workers, describing it as a profound acknowledgement of their invaluable contributions to the nation. She also assured that detailed guidelines on the implementation of the scheme will be released soon, signaling a new dawn for retirees in the federal civil service. With this development, the government has taken a significant step towards strengthening welfare policies and improving retirement benefits for public servants.