The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a comprehensive renewal of the Group Life Assurance Scheme for public servants across the country, extending coverage to top-ranking officials, civil servants, and paramilitary personnel for the 2025–2026 policy year.
This move, approved at the Council’s 27th meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of its workforce and forms part of a broader slate of policies aimed at economic inclusion, cultural revitalisation, and employment generation.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, explained that the policy covers all staff in Treasury-funded Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), including the President, Vice President, ministers, permanent secretaries, and security personnel.
“The Federal Government has taken out a life policy on each public servant,” she stated. “In the unfortunate event of death, the next of kin will receive benefits to cushion the loss. This underscores the importance that President Bola Tinubu’s administration places on the welfare of federal workers.”
Under the renewed scheme, 17 insurance underwriters have been appointed to manage the cover for one year, in line with the government’s “no premium, no cover” directive. Walson-Jack clarified that the policy only becomes active once the premium is paid, and that efforts are underway to enhance awareness among public servants who remain unaware of their entitlements.
“This policy has been in existence for several years, but many public servants remain unaware of its provisions,” she said. “We have planned a sensitisation campaign to make sure every federal worker is informed.”
The scheme also includes personnel in the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“No family of a deceased public servant should be left without support,” Walson-Jack added, noting that the Office of the Head of Civil Service is working closely with media outlets to amplify awareness of this benefit.
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Cultural Assets to Power $100bn Creative Economy by 2030
In a related development, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, announced a bold new strategy aimed at transforming Nigeria’s vast cultural heritage into a major economic driver.
“For the first time in Nigeria’s history, a standalone ministry is tasked with unlocking the potential of the cultural, creative, and tourism sectors,” Musawa revealed. “We are looking to contribute $100bn to Nigeria’s economy by 2030 by monetising both tangible and intangible assets.”
The ambitious plan, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), is set to proceed through four implementation phases: asset assessment, valuation, monetisation strategy development, and execution.
Nigeria’s cultural inventory includes historic monuments, national museum collections, and government-owned artworks. Intangible assets cover indigenous languages, folklore, traditional fashion like adire, culinary signatures such as Ijebu garri, and iconic cultural festivals.
“This is about using what we already have to create wealth, identity, and pride,” Musawa stated. “Our cultural capital is immense, and now we are putting in place the framework to monetise it responsibly.”
The ministry has concluded the verification of all assets and is moving into the valuation and monetisation phases. As part of the project’s job-creation thrust, at least two million employment opportunities are projected by 2027, particularly in rural and heritage-rich communities.
“This is an exciting time for Nigerian identity. We’re building an economy rooted in our tradition, creativity, and talent,” Musawa added.
Labour Ministry Rolls Out Updated Employment Policy
Also speaking at the post-FEC briefing, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi, confirmed the Council’s approval of a revised National Employment Policy. The updated document replaces a version last reviewed over six years ago.
“The reality on the ground has changed, and it was imperative to craft a strategy that is responsive to today’s challenges,” Dingyadi explained.
The new policy aims to tackle unemployment and underemployment by introducing innovative frameworks for job creation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive labour practices. It will also serve as a key submission at the forthcoming International Labour Organisation (ILO) conference in Geneva.
“We are proud to present this revised employment framework to our global counterparts. It signals Nigeria’s commitment to progressive labour practices and inclusive growth,” Dingyadi concluded.
Together, the initiatives approved at Monday’s FEC meeting suggest a recalibrated policy approach focused on human capital, economic diversification, and institutional support.
While the Group Life Assurance renewal secures the wellbeing of those serving the nation, the cultural monetisation strategy and labour policy revision reflect a broader shift toward sustainable, identity-driven economic growth.
