Retiring State House staff will be among the first federal civil servants to benefit from the newly approved gratuity scheme introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Permanent Secretary, State House, Mr. Temitope Peter Fashedemi, has said.

Fashedemi disclosed this on Thursday at a send-off ceremony organised by the State House in honour of two retiring directors and two deputy directors.

He commended President Tinubu for approving the reintroduction of gratuity payments for retiring federal civil servants in addition to their pensions and other retirement benefits, describing the move as a significant boost to workers’ welfare.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had in March 2026 approved a new gratuity scheme for federal civil servants. Under the arrangement, officers who have served for at least 10 years will be entitled to a gratuity equivalent to one year’s basic salary upon retirement.

The benefit, which takes effect from January 1, 2026, complements the Contributory Pension Scheme introduced in 2004, which did not provide for gratuity payments.

According to Fashedemi, the policy is aimed at ensuring that public servants who dedicate decades of service to the nation receive adequate recognition and support upon retirement.

He noted that some of the retiring State House officials would be among the first beneficiaries of the scheme, adding that retirement after 35 years of service or upon attaining the age of 60 remains a milestone deserving of celebration.

The Permanent Secretary also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to staff welfare and the enhancement of the value proposition for civil servants, in line with one of the pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025.

He praised the retirees for their professionalism, integrity and dedication to service, describing their successful retirement as a noteworthy achievement.

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, commended one of the retirees, Mr. Francis Isa Wasa, Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), for his exemplary work ethic and strong interpersonal relations.

Former Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Dr. Nnamdi Mbaeri, who is now Director of Administration at Renewed Hope Ambassadors, also paid tribute to Wasa, describing him as a dependable and highly professional officer whose contributions to public service were invaluable.

Earlier, the Director of Administration, State House, Alhaji Abdulkadir Idris, described the occasion as a celebration of officers who had rendered meritorious service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He commended the retirees for their dedication and commitment to national service and wished them success in the next phase of their lives.

The retirees honoured at the event included Wasa, Director of ICT; Mrs. Adenike Akintola, Director of Internal Audit; and Mr. Esiyede Godwin, Deputy Director, Library and Archives. Another retired Deputy Director in the Finance and Accounts Department, Bukar Usman Goni, who was unavoidably absent, was also recognised.

Responding on behalf of the retirees, Wasa expressed appreciation to the State House management for organising the send-off ceremony and honouring their years of service. He also prayed for serving officers to enjoy successful careers and retire in good health and fulfilment.