Civil servants have welcomed the Federal Government’s approval of higher allowances and welfare benefits with cautious optimism, as economic hardship continues to weigh on households. 

They made this known in an interview in Abuja on Sunday.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, on Friday announced a major increase in peculiar allowances and welfare benefits for civil servants.

The increase aims at improving take-home pay and morale for civil servants across cadres.

Some workers said the announcement had raised expectations, especially as inflation continues to drive up food prices nationwide.

Ms Benita Solomon expressed joy at the announcement and thanked President Bola Tinubu’s administration for listening to the cries of civil servants across the country.

“Life has not been easy for every typical civil servant, especially those of us with children and several dependents.

”I am a widow with three children, and you cannot imagine how my life has been since the removal of the subsidy. It has been from one struggle to another.

” I am very excited about these increases and hope sincerely it will be implemented accordingly, as it will go a long way to cushion the effects of rising living costs and improve our overall well-being,” Solomon said.

Mrs Esther Ibrahim, a Grade Level 12 officer, said the review could provide temporary relief if implemented promptly.

“We have heard similar announcements before. What matters now is the implementation. Food prices are rising daily, and salaries no longer meet basic needs,” she said.

Mr Musa Abu, a junior civil servant, said the increase in Duty Tour Allowance and other benefits could ease work-related financial burdens.

“Transport, feeding and even training costs come from our pockets sometimes. If these changes take effect, it will make a huge difference,” he said.

Another worker, Miss Ifeoma Okeke, noted that the new exit benefit scheme could restore confidence in public service.

“At least people can look forward to retirement with some dignity. But again, it depends on how faithfully the pronouncements are implemented,” she said.

However, some civil servants expressed scepticism, noting that past welfare pronouncements had not always translated into actual salary improvements.

Mr Sunday Adeyemi, a senior officer, said that previous approvals were not reflected in workers’ earnings.

“We have seen policies announced that never got implemented or led to an actual increase in our take-home.

“Although this is a welcome development, many of us will remain cautious until we see the increase in our payslips,” he said.

Mrs Zainab Isa said rising living costs had made workers more concerned about the real impact than policy announcements.

“Prices of food and transport keep increasing. If this is not implemented quickly, it may not make any real difference.

“Schools have just resumed, and many parents, especially civil servants, are struggling to pay their children’s fees and take care of other necessities.

”So, the prompt implementation of these increases will help us a great deal,” said.

Economic experts said the impact of the reforms would depend on broader macroeconomic conditions.

Dr Gideon Maigida said while the measures were commendable, inflation could erode the gains if not addressed.

“Increasing allowances improves disposable income, but if inflation, especially food inflation, remains high, the real benefit may be limited,” he said.

Mr Maigida added that complementary policies targeting food supply, agriculture and price stability were necessary.

Similarly, Mrs Adenike Adeusi, a public finance analyst, said the reforms could boost morale and productivity in the civil service.

“When workers feel supported, output improves. However, the government must ensure fiscal sustainability to avoid creating future financial pressures,” she said.

Mrs Adeusi also stressed the need for transparency in implementation to build trust among workers.

The analyst said the approval of full Duty Tour Allowance for training and the introduction of an exit benefit scheme were significant steps toward strengthening worker welfare.

She said that sustained reforms and economic stability would determine the long-term impact on living standards.

(NAN)