Federal civil servants across Nigeria are celebrating a major victory as the government announces the restoration of gratuity payments, set to commence in January 2026. This decision comes after more than ten years of suspension, marking a significant achievement for worker advocacy.
Union's Decade-Long Advocacy Pays Off
The announcement was made by Shehu Mohammed, the National President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), during the association's National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja. Mohammed expressed immense joy, confirming that years of intense pressure from the union have finally yielded results.
"It is a thing of joy that gratuity has finally been restored after more than ten years," Mohammed stated. He assured workers that the ASCSN would maintain close vigilance to ensure the smooth implementation of the payments and that every eligible public servant receives what is due to them.
Pension Reform and Other Critical Demands
Beyond the gratuity restoration, the ASCSN is actively engaging with stakeholders to amend the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) law. The union is pushing for a crucial change that would allow retirees to withdraw 100% of their retirement savings as a lump sum if they so choose.
Mohammed strongly criticized the current system, where retirees often face delays of up to two years before receiving their initial pension entitlements. He argued that in the current inflationary environment, the existing 25% lump-sum payment is largely ineffective and does little to support retirees.
"Workers deserve the right to access the money they worked for," he emphasized, highlighting the urgency of the pension reform.
Firm Stand Against Privatization of Unity Schools
In a firm and direct statement, the ASCSN President issued a strong warning against renewed attempts to privatize Federal Unity Schools. He revealed that there are already powerful interests targeting prestigious institutions like King's College, Lagos, signaling a potential push to sell these schools to private investors.
Mohammed described Unity Schools as part of Nigeria's collective heritage that must not be converted into private estates. "Those who want private schools should build their own," he declared, reminding everyone of the union's successful seven-week nationwide strike and legal actions during the Obasanjo administration that previously halted such privatization efforts.
The union leader also used the platform to list a backlog of unpaid entitlements owed to public servants. These include promotion arrears, salary and elongation arrears, 28 days allowance in lieu of hotel accommodation, duty tour allowance, and allowances for Unity School officers displaced in the North-East, among others. He pledged that the union would intensify its efforts to ensure all these outstanding payments are cleared.
On administrative matters, Mohammed disclosed that the ASCSN's National Secretariat has been officially relocated from Lagos to Abuja to improve operational efficiency, with the former Lagos office now serving as a Liaison Office.
Addressing the nation's security challenges, the ASCSN called for a comprehensive restructuring of Nigeria's security architecture, including the establishment of State Police. To prevent potential abuse by state governors, Mohammed proposed the creation of a State Police Commission comprising labour leaders, civil society organizations, political parties, religious bodies, students, and traditional rulers to ensure transparency and accountability.
At the same event, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, commended the ASCSN for its constructive role in promoting industrial harmony and professionalising the senior civil service. He reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to strengthening industrial relations, expanding decent work opportunities, and protecting labour rights through continued collaboration with unions.
