By DAYO ADESULU
Civil servants in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are celebrating the re-introduction of gratuity in the Federal Civil Service. This significant development comes as the National Pension Commission (PenCom) collaborates with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) to ensure its effective implementation.
The new gratuity framework will benefit civil servants working in treasury-funded Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) who are part of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). The initiative aligns with Section 4(4)(a) of the Pension Reform Act (PRA 2014), aimed at providing financial support to retiring employees of these government bodies.
Gratuity, a monetary reward given to employees as a token of appreciation for their dedication and long-term service, has been welcomed by many. Mrs. Priscilla Ralph, a civil servant, expressed her enthusiasm in an interview, stating, “The re-introduction of gratuity is a welcome development. This serves as encouragement for us to take our jobs more seriously.” She also highlighted the heightened expectations that often accompany government announcements, particularly concerning living costs.
Mr. George Ose praised President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to enhance the welfare of dedicated pensioners. “Pensioners deserve all the good things of life after putting in 35 years of service to the nation,” he remarked. Ose further urged the government to extend health insurance coverage for pensioners, emphasizing the need for support during retirement.
Retired civil servant Dr. Doris Emmanuel also commended the initiative, noting that gratuity not only provides financial relief but also serves as recognition for years of selfless service. She pointed out that the lack of gratuity has often led to anxiety and hardship for retirees after leaving service. Emmanuel praised the president’s approval of a N758 billion Treasury Bond by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to settle government liabilities to CPS retirees over the past 20 years and called on the National Assembly to approve it, ensuring that pensioners receive their dues while they are alive.
Alhaji Sani Mustapha, Senior Technical Advisor at the Contributory Pension and Happy Retirement Advocacy (COPEHRA), applauded the president’s leadership in transforming the pension industry. He described the re-introduction of gratuity as good news for the Nigerian Civil Service, reflecting the government’s commitment to reforming the pension and retirement sector. Mustapha also encouraged other states to adopt gratuity payments alongside pension entitlements to promote equity, fairness, and dignity in retirement.
In conclusion, the re-introduction of gratuity marks a significant step towards improving the welfare of civil servants in Nigeria, fostering a more supportive environment for those who have dedicated their lives to public service.
