Gratuity Revival Sparks Hope for Federal Workers, ASCSN Calls for Pension Reform
Federal Civil Servants are celebrating the impending return of gratuity payments, set to resume in January 2026, ending a decade-long suspension that had left many retirees financially strained.
Shehu Mohammed, National President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), made the announcement Thursday during the Union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja. He described the restoration of gratuity as a “long-awaited victory” for Public Servants after years of advocacy.
“After more than ten years, gratuity is finally back. Our Union will ensure that every eligible worker receives their entitlement,” Mohammed said, stressing the importance of careful monitoring of the process.
The ASCSN leader also highlighted ongoing efforts to reform the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) law. The Union is pushing for legislation that would allow retirees to withdraw 100 percent of their pension savings in a lump sum if they choose, citing the inadequacy of current 25 percent lump-sum payments in today’s inflationary environment.
Mohammed condemned bureaucratic delays that have left some workers waiting up to two years for initial pension payments, calling for swift and transparent remittance practices.
Beyond gratuity, the Union reiterated its opposition to renewed attempts to privatize Federal Unity Schools. Mohammed warned that influential groups are targeting historic institutions like King’s College, Lagos, and vowed to resist any effort to turn these schools into private entities. “Unity Schools are Nigeria’s collective heritage. They cannot be sold to private investors,” he said.
The Union also reported administrative improvements, including relocating its National Secretariat from Lagos to Abuja, now serving as the central hub for coordination. Mohammed outlined a range of outstanding entitlements owed to civil servants, such as promotion arrears, duty tour allowances, and compensation for Unity School officers displaced in the North-East.
Amid National Security concerns, the ASCSN advocated for restructuring Nigeria’s Security system, proposing a State Police Commission with representatives from labour, civil society, traditional leaders, and religious bodies to ensure accountability.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, praised the ASCSN for its constructive contributions to industrial harmony. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to protecting labour rights, expanding decent work opportunities, and fostering collaborative decision-making with Unions.
Dingyadi encouraged union leaders to continue promoting ethical unionism and deliver actionable proposals to boost National productivity, while civil servants prepare for a new era of financial relief with the return of gratuity.
