By B y Elizabeth Ugbo
The Federal Government has approved the long-awaited 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal civil servants after labour unions threatened a nationwide strike. The approval came on Tuesday during a meeting chaired by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson-Jack, in Abuja. The government released the implementation circular through the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to end nearly two years of agitation linked to the new N70,000 minimum wage structure.
FG Releases Circular for Allowance Implementation
During the meeting, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission officially released the circular for the allowance implementation.
The development followed months of pressure from organised labour and threats of industrial action by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council.
The National Secretary of the JNPSNC, Trade Union side, Olowoyo Gbenga, described the approval as a major victory for workers.
According to him, the allowance will take effect from May 1, 2026. Workers had waited since July 2024 for the adjustment to match the new minimum wage template.
Labour Suspends Planned Industrial Action
Olowoyo disclosed that the JNPSNC had fixed May 21 for a nationwide industrial action over the delayed implementation.
However, he explained that intervention from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service restored confidence among workers.
“With this development, workers may likely sheath their swords and allow industrial peace to reign in the workplace,” he said.
He also accused the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission of initially resisting responsibility before the intervention resolved the dispute.
State Governments Urged to Adopt Allowance
Furthermore, Olowoyo urged state governments to adopt the circular for workers at state and local government levels.
He stressed that many Nigerian workers and their families currently face severe economic hardship.
According to him, the allowance would provide relief for struggling households battling rising living costs.
Walson-Jack Calls for Dialogue and Industrial Harmony
Speaking during the meeting, Walson-Jack emphasised the need for stronger communication between government agencies and labour unions.
She noted that labour unions have the constitutional right to make demands. However, government institutions must encourage dialogue to prevent unnecessary disputes.
The meeting also allowed leaders of the JNPSNC, led by National Chairman Benjamin Uyanto, to present their position.
Similarly, the Executive Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Eyo Nta, presented the commission’s stance before discussions ended.
Labour Leaders Praise Head of Service
Both Uyanto and Nta commended Walson-Jack for her timely intervention in resolving the lingering dispute.
Following the meeting, officials presented the implementation table for the 40 per cent peculiar allowance to JNPSNC leadership.
Labour leaders described the agreement as a positive step toward improving workers’ welfare amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.
