The Federal Government has approved the long-awaited 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal civil servants, following mounting pressure from organised labour and threats of industrial action.
According to Vanguard, The approval followed a marathon meeting held on Tuesday and presided over by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson-Jack, at the Conference Hall of her office in Abuja.
During the meeting, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission was said to have formally issued the implementation circular for the allowance, effectively ending nearly two years of agitation by workers over the delayed adjustment tied to the new N70,000 minimum wage structure.
Mrs Walson-Jack, while addressing stakeholders, emphasised the need for stronger communication and trust between government management teams and labour unions in order to prevent avoidable industrial disputes.
She also noted that although labour unions are constitutionally empowered to make demands, government institutions must consistently create avenues for dialogue and constructive engagement to sustain industrial harmony.
The session brought together key labour and government representatives, including the leadership of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union side), led by its National Chairman, Benjamin Uyanto, as well as the Executive Chairman of the NSIWC, Eyo Nta. They were given the platform to present their positions before the Head of Service intervened to broker a consensus acceptable to all parties.
Both Uyanto and Nta reportedly commended the Head of Service for her timely intervention, describing it as instrumental in resolving the prolonged dispute.
Following the deliberations, an implementable circular for the 40 per cent peculiar allowance was presented to the leadership of the JNPSNC.
In a reaction, the National Secretary of the JNPSNC (Trade Union side), Olowoyo Gbenga, described the outcome as a major win for Nigerian workers and a step forward in improving welfare amid prevailing economic challenges.
He explained that the implementation of the allowance would commence on May 1, 2026, after workers had waited since July 2024 for the adjustment to be aligned with the new minimum wage structure.
Olowoyo also called on state governments to adopt the circular so that workers at subnational levels could benefit from the relief package.
He further lamented the worsening economic situation affecting workers and their families, noting that many households were under severe financial strain.
He disclosed that the JNPSNC had earlier scheduled May 21 for a nationwide industrial action over the issue, accusing the NSIWC of initially declining responsibility.
However, he said intervention from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation ultimately resolved the impasse and restored confidence among workers.
“With this development, workers may likely sheath their swords and allow industrial peace to reign in the workplace,” he said.
