The Federal Government has approved the payment of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal civil servants following sustained pressure from organised labour and threats of a nationwide industrial action.
The approval was reached after a lengthy meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja and chaired by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson-Jack.
During the meeting, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission officially issued the circular authorising the implementation of the allowance, ending nearly two years of agitation by workers over the delayed wage adjustment tied to the new ₦70,000 minimum wage structure.
Speaking at the meeting, Walson-Jack emphasised the need for stronger communication and mutual understanding between government agencies and labour unions in order to prevent unnecessary industrial disputes. She noted that while labour unions have the constitutional right to make demands on behalf of workers, government institutions must also encourage dialogue and constructive engagement to maintain industrial harmony.
The meeting brought together leaders of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union Side), led by its National Chairman, Benjamin Uyanto, and the Executive Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Eyo Nta. Both parties presented their positions before the Head of Service intervened to facilitate an agreement acceptable to all sides.
Uyanto and Nta later commended the Head of Service for her intervention, describing it as timely and instrumental in resolving the prolonged disagreement.
At the end of the deliberations, the official implementation circular for the 40 per cent peculiar allowance was presented to the leadership of the JNPSNC.
Confirming the development, the National Secretary of the JNPSNC (Trade Union Side), Olowoyo Gbenga, described the approval as a major achievement for Nigerian workers and a significant step toward improving workers’ welfare amid the country’s economic challenges.
According to him, implementation of the allowance will take effect from May 1, 2026. He explained that workers had been expecting the adjustment since July 2024 when discussions around the new minimum wage structure began.
Gbenga also appealed to state governments to adopt the implementation circular so that workers at state and local government levels can also benefit from the allowance.
He expressed concern over the worsening economic conditions affecting workers and their families, noting that many households are currently facing severe financial difficulties.
The union secretary further disclosed that the JNPSNC had earlier scheduled a nationwide industrial action for May 21 over the delay in implementing the allowance, accusing the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission of initially failing to take responsibility for the matter.
However, he said the intervention of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation helped avert the planned industrial action and restored confidence among workers.
“With this development, workers may likely sheath their swords and allow industrial peace to reign in the workplace,” he stated.
FG Approves 40% Peculiar Allowance for Federal Civil Servants After Labour Pressure
