**New Benefits for Retiring Federal Workers: A Game-Changer for Nigeria's Civil Service** In a move that is set to significantly boost the welfare of Nigeria's federal civil servants, the Federal Executive Council has approved a new exit benefit scheme. This game-changing initiative grants retiring officers a gratuity equivalent to 100 per cent of their total annual emolument, a move that is expected to bring financial security to those who have dedicated their careers to public service. The new scheme, which takes effect in 2026, is the result of a collaborative effort between the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the National Pension Commission, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. The initiative is designed to complement the existing Contributory Pension Scheme and strengthen the retirement income security of federal civil servants in treasury-funded ministries, extra-ministerial departments, and agencies. According to Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the approval of the scheme is a testament to President Bola Tinubu's administration's commitment to recognising the dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism of federal civil servants. "This approval is a profound acknowledgement of the invaluable contributions of our civil servants who have devoted their productive years to public service and national development," she said. The reintroduction of gratuity for federal civil servants comes 22 years after the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme, which was implemented in 2004. The new scheme is expected to boost confidence in the Federal Government's commitment to the welfare of its workers and aligns with ongoing reforms aimed at building a more motivated, performance-driven, and people-centred civil service. As Nigeria's civil service continues to evolve, the approval of this new exit benefit scheme is a significant step towards ensuring that the nation's most dedicated public servants are rewarded for their hard work and dedication. With the new scheme set to take effect in 2026, federal civil servants can look forward to a more secure and prosperous retirement, a development that is sure to have a positive impact on the nation's human capital.