The federal government, through the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), has approved a sweeping upward review of duty tour allowances, estacode, and other benefits for federal civil servants, signaling a significant boost to worker welfare.
In a circular signed on April 23, 2026 and issued Friday, from Abuja, the commission confirmed that the revised rates will apply to officers on Grade Levels (GL) 01–17, in line with the provisions of the Public Service Rules (2021 Edition).
Duty Tour Allowance (DTA):
Top-ranking officers on GL 16–17 will now earn ₦109,000, while those on GL 01–04 will receive ₦30,000, reflecting increases across all cadres.
Estacode (Overseas Travel):
Permanent Secretaries are entitled to $1,040, while officers on GL 15–17 will receive $737, with corresponding adjustments for other levels.
Kilometer Allowance:
Rates have risen to ₦664 per kilometre for Permanent Secretaries, with proportional increases for other grades.
First 28 Days Allowance:
Nightly rates now range from ₦88,081 (GL 16–17) to ₦23,489 (GL 01–04), depending on rank.
Local Course Allowance:
Officers on GL 16–17 will earn up to ₦33,877.5 per day, with scaled rates for junior cadres.
Book Allowance:
Set at ₦150,000 for long-term training and ₦125,000 for shorter courses.
Local Running Allowance:
Fixed at 30% of Duty Tour Allowance, further increasing overall earnings.
The commission noted that allowances not covered in the current review, or those without clearly defined monetary values, will be addressed in separate circulars subject to approval by the National Council on Establishments.
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According to the Chairman/CEO of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Ekpo U. O. Nta, the new allowance regime will take effect from October 1, 2026.
The revised structure is expected to improve morale and enhance operational efficiency across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), especially amid ongoing economic challenges. Analysts say the move could also set a new benchmark for public sector compensation.
However, attention is likely to shift to how the government manages the fiscal impact of the increased allowances in the coming months.
