The Federal Government has approved the long-awaited 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal civil servants following mounting pressure and threats of industrial action from organised labour unions.
The approval was reportedly reached after an extensive meeting held on Tuesday and chaired by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson-Jack, at her office conference hall in Abuja.
During the meeting, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission officially released the implementation circular for the allowance, bringing an end to nearly two years of agitation by workers over delays connected to the new N70,000 minimum wage structure.
Speaking at the meeting, Walson-Jack emphasised the need for stronger communication and mutual trust between government officials and labour unions to prevent avoidable industrial disputes.
She noted that while labour unions have the constitutional right to make demands, government institutions must also encourage dialogue and constructive engagement to maintain industrial harmony.
The meeting also allowed the leadership of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, led by National Chairman Benjamin Uyanto, and the Executive Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Mr Eyo Nta, to present their positions before the Head of Service stepped in to facilitate an agreement acceptable to all sides.
Both Uyanto and Nta praised the intervention of the Head of Service, describing it as instrumental in resolving the prolonged disagreement.
Following the discussions, the official implementation circular for the 40 per cent peculiar allowance was presented to the leadership of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council.
Confirming the development, the National Secretary of the JNPSNC (Trade Union side), Olowoyo Gbenga, described the approval as a significant win for Nigerian workers and an important move toward improving workers’ welfare amid the country’s 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 tied to the new minimum wage structure.
He also appealed to state governments to adopt the circular so workers at state and local government levels can benefit from the allowance.
Olowoyo expressed concern over the worsening economic conditions affecting workers and their families, noting that many households were under severe financial strain.
He further disclosed that the JNPSNC had earlier scheduled May 21 for a nationwide industrial action over the issue, accusing the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission of initially avoiding responsibility.
However, he stated that the intervention by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation eventually helped restore confidence among workers and prevented the planned showdown.
“With this development, workers may likely sheath their swords and allow industrial peace to reign in the workplace,” he said.
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