In a significant move aimed at enhancing the welfare of civil servants in Nigeria, the Federal Government has approved a salary increase ranging between 25% and 35% for employees on six consolidated salary structures.
The approved salary structures include the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Para-military Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS), and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS).
This increase follows previous adjustments implemented for civil servants in the tertiary education and health sectors, encompassing various salary structures such as the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS), Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS), Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS), Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS), Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and Consolidated Health Sector Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The announcement, made through a statement signed by Emmanuel Njoku, the Head of Press at the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission (NSIWC), indicated that the salary increments would take effect from January 1, 2024.
Additionally, the Federal Government has approved a pension increase ranging between 20% and 28% for pensioners under the Defined Benefits Scheme, corresponding to the same six consolidated salary structures mentioned earlier. This pension adjustment will also come into effect from January 1, 2024.
The decision to increase salaries and pensions underscores the government’s commitment to improving the living standards of civil servants and retirees across various sectors.
It is expected to provide much-needed relief to workers and retirees grappling with economic challenges exacerbated by inflation and rising living costs.
The move has been hailed by many as a positive step towards ensuring equitable compensation for the contributions of civil servants to national development.
However, stakeholders continue to call for sustained efforts to address broader issues such as inflation, infrastructure development, and social welfare programs to further enhance the overall well-being of Nigerian workers and pensioners.