
The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved significant increases in peculiar allowances and other welfare benefits for civil servants, aiming to improve take-home pay and boost morale. Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, announced the reforms, which affect workers under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure. The revised peculiar allowances will impact all grade levels, increasing earnings for both junior and senior officers. Key allowances such as duty tour allowance, estacode, and book allowance have been reviewed upwards, with virtually all allowances under the Public Service Rules now revised. A notable reform includes 100 percent Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending approved training programs, even if travel is not involved. Additionally, a new exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme will provide 100 percent of a retiree’s total annual emoluments as an exit package, effective January 1, 2026. The government also confirmed the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme for job-related injuries or death. These reforms address calls from labor unions for improved welfare amidst rising living costs.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe World Food Programme WFP has warned that an escalating crisis in the Middle East is causing global food, fuel, and transport costs to rise, potentially pushing millions more people into hunger. Households across Africa and Asia are already experiencing the effects of increased prices due to strained supply chains, higher shipping costs, and delays in the movement of essential goods. In Nigeria's capital, Abuja, a market trader noted that 5,000 naira can barely buy anything, while in Somalia, residents report daily increases in transport and food costs. Parts of Asia, including Myanmar, are also affected, with staple foods becoming more expensive, particularly in remote and conflict-affected areas still recovering from the 2025 earthquake. WFP's Director of Supply Chain, Corinne Fleischer, stated that supply chain disruptions lead to higher food prices, severely impacting families who spend 50 to 70 percent of their income on food. The agency estimates that up to 45 million additional people could face hunger if the crisis persists, bringing the global total to approximately 363 million, with nearly two-thirds of those at risk located in Africa and Asia. Humanitarian operations are also becoming more expensive, reducing the reach of food assistance. The crisis is impacting agriculture and trade, threatening fertilizer supplies and livestock exports in East Africa, and causing smallholder farmers in parts of Asia to reduce planting due to rising costs. WFP is adapting its o

Oladepo Caleb Olugbenga, the overall best graduating engineering student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology LAUTECH for the 2024/2025 session, recently acknowledged the Nigerian Education Loan Fund NELFUND for enabling his education. Oladepo, who achieved a CGPA of 4.89 out of 5.0 in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, grew up in a village in Osun State without electricity for nine years, where his family struggled daily for basic necessities. He attended public schools due to financial constraints and walked miles to school each morning. After being formally named LAUTECH's best graduating engineering student on January 14, he posted on X, stating, “I’m honoured to let you know that I am the Best Graduating Student of LAUTECH. Your loans made it possible.” This post garnered significant attention, with some praising his achievement and his public gratitude towards the student loan scheme, while others criticized it as politicizing his success. NELFUND responded to his post, congratulating him and expressing pride in their role. Oladepo later clarified his position, explaining his humble background and emphasizing that NELFUND was instrumental, not incidental, to his journey. He stated that acknowledging what helped one's journey is an act of appreciation, not propaganda. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, cited Oladepo's story as evidence of the administration's policy intent to help students facing financial challenges

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of President Bola Tinubu, inaugurated the newly completed Lodge Road in Kano State's Nasarawa Local Government Area and flagged off the construction of Sarkin Yaki Road in the Fagge Local Government Area. Mrs. Tinubu, who was in the state for the Energise Commercialisation Now initiative, was accompanied by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other officials. The projects aim to improve infrastructure and boost economic activities. The First Lady highlighted the importance of quality road infrastructure for movement of people and goods, improved security, and stronger economies, calling for collaboration across government levels. Governor Yusuf described the visit as a testament to partnership for development, stating his administration's commitment to initiatives promoting growth and modernization. He added that the projects would enhance transportation, create business opportunities, and contribute to urban renewal in Kano. The event was attended by senior government officials, traditional leaders, and political stakeholders, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.

Germany has introduced a new online visa application portal, enabling applicants to initiate and manage visa requests digitally via its Consular Services platform. This initiative aims to streamline the application process, making it more accessible, efficient, and secure. Users can submit applications, upload necessary documents, and monitor their progress, reducing the need for multiple in-person visits to embassies or visa centers. Officials state that the platform supports various visa categories, offering clearer guidance on requirements and procedures. A video from the German Embassy in Nigeria's X demonstrates the process and outlines the types of visas handled by the system. This development is part of Germany's wider effort to digitize consular services and improve the user experience for applicants globally, including those in Nigeria. The Consular Service Portal allows for online document submission and pre-checks for completeness before an in-person appointment at the Consulate in Lagos or VFS for student visas. The portal can be used for student, researcher, work-related, and language course visas.