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The administration of President Bola Tinubu has approved a new gratuity package for employees in the federal civil service.

The approval, given during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on Wednesday, introduces a gratuity payment for retiring officers.

The approval follows recommendations from an inter-ministerial technical committee established by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

The committee worked in collaboration with the National Pension Commission (PenCom), the Budget Office of the Federation, and the Office of the Accountant-General to create a sustainable framework.

Under the new scheme, retiring federal civil servants in treasury-funded ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) will receive a gratuity equivalent to 100% of their total annual emoluments (one full year’s salary package). This benefit applies to officers who have served for a minimum of 10 years and complements the existing Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which was introduced 22 years ago and previously operated without a gratuity component for many retirees.

The scheme takes effect from January 1, 2026.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, described the approval as “a profound acknowledgement of the invaluable contributions of our civil servants who have devoted their productive years to public service and national development.”

She added that the initiative “significantly enhances the retirement package of our officers and boosts confidence in the federal government’s commitment to their welfare,” while aligning with broader reforms for a more motivated, performance-driven, and people-centred civil service.

Director of Press and Public Relations at the OHCSF, Eno Olotu, stated that “The scheme… is designed to strengthen the welfare structure of the federal civil service and ensure that officers who have served the nation for a minimum of 10 years retire with financial security.”

Detailed implementation guidelines are expected to be issued soon.

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President Bola Tinubu on Thursday appointed his string ally, Ibrahim Kabiru Masari as his Special Adviser on Political Affairs.

Bayo Onanuga, the president special adviser on information and strategy said Masari was first appointed as senior special assistant on political affairs by Tinubu.

In a statement announcing the development, Onanuga said the Katsina-born politician had previously served as the welfare secretary for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Masari served as APC’s welfare secretary during the tenure of Senator Adams Oshiomhole as party’s national chairman.

“As a special adviser, Masari will work alongside Alhaji Yau Darazo, whom Tinubu appointed in July 2023,” Onanuga stated.

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, has reported significant success in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and abuse in the month of February 2026. The Edo State Commander of the Agency, Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, gave the operational statistics while presenting the command’s scorecard for the month of February.

According to Ofoyeju, a series of intelligence-led operations across the state culminated in the arrest of 56 suspected drug traffickers, comprising 34 males and 22 females, from various identified drug flashpoints. A total seizure of 2,167.74kg of drugs was successfully taken out of illicit circulation within the period under review.

These illicit drugs include: 900.89 kilograms of illicit substances confiscated while three cannabis farms measuring 0.506739 hectares with an estimated yield of 1,266.85kg were destroyed in the forests. The bulk of the seizure was Cannabis Sativa, while psychotropic substances were 5.1253 kg and methamphetamine 0.0605 kg. The prosecution unit of the command also recorded remarkable success, securing 14 convictions in February. Three new cases were filed in court, bringing the total number of pending cases at the Federal High Court, Benin City, to 96.

On the prevention front, the command’s Drug Demand Reduction Department counselled 28 clients:23 males and five females referred for counselling and reunited them with their families. Eleven others are currently undergoing rehabilitation. The unit further conducted three public sensitisation programmes aimed at educating communities on the dangers of drug abuse.

Commander Ofoyeju, while commending the dedication of his officers and men, highlighted the persistent challenge posed by the difficult, often inaccessible terrain used for cannabis cultivation in the state. He emphasised the need for enhanced operational logistics to effectively tackle this aspect of the drug problem.

“The figures for February 2026 reflect our unwavering commitment to the mandate of the NDLEA and directives by the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (RTD). We are dismantling networks, destroying farms, prosecuting offenders, and rehabilitating victims. Despite the stubborn attitude of drug traffickers, Edo State Command remains resolute and will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle drug trafficking cartels and create a safer, drug-free society for our citizens,” stated Ofoyeju.