The Federal Government has approved the long-awaited 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal civil servants following sustained pressure from organised labour and threats of industrial action.
The approval was finalised after a meeting presided over by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson-Jack, in Abuja.
During the meeting, the National Salaries Incomes and Wages Commission officially released the implementation circular for the allowance, ending nearly two years of agitation by workers over the delayed adjustment linked to the new N70,000 minimum wage structure.
Walson-Jack stressed the importance of stronger communication and trust between government management teams and labour unions to prevent industrial disputes.
She noted that while labour unions have the constitutional right to press for workers’ demands, 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, alongside the Executive Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Eyo Nta.
Both labour and government representatives commended the intervention of the Head of Service, describing it as critical to resolving the lingering dispute.
Following the deliberations, an implementation circular for the 40 per cent peculiar allowance was formally presented to the leadership of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council.
The National Secretary of the council, Olowoyo Gbenga, described the approval as a major victory for Nigerian workers and a significant step toward improving workers’ welfare amid the current economic challenges.
According to him, implementation of the allowance will take effect from May 1, 2026, after workers had waited since July 2024 for the adjustment to align with the new minimum wage structure.
He also urged state governments to adopt the circular to enable workers at state and local government levels benefit from the allowance.
Gbenga disclosed that the union had earlier fixed May 21 for a nationwide industrial action over the issue, accusing the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission of initially resisting responsibility for the implementation.
He, however, noted that the intervention of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service eventually resolved the crisis and restored confidence among workers.
According to him, the latest development is expected to ease tensions and promote industrial peace across the public service.
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