Federal Government approves 40% special allowance for civil servants after threat of a showdown

The Federal Government has formally approved the long‑awaited 40 percent peculiar allowance for federal civil servants after sustained pressure and threats of industrial action from organised labour.

The approval, Vanguard gathered, followed a marathon meeting on Tuesday that was chaired by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson‑Jack, in the Conference Hall of her Abuja office.

During the session, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) released the circular that will implement the allowance, ending nearly two years of worker agitation over the delayed adjustment linked to the new N70,000 minimum‑wage structure.

Speaking at the meeting, Mrs Walson‑Jack emphasized the need to strengthen communication and trust between government management and labour unions to prevent unnecessary industrial disputes.

She observed that while labour unions have a constitutional right to make demands, government agencies must also provide space for dialogue and constructive engagement to maintain industrial harmony.
The gathering also allowed the leadership of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) – the trade‑union side – led by National Chairman Benjamin Uyanto, and the Executive Chairman of the NSIWC, Mr Eyo Nta, to present their positions before the Head of Service intervened to broker an agreement acceptable to all parties.

Both Uyanto and Nta praised the Head of Service for her timely intervention, calling it essential to resolving the lingering dispute.

After the deliberations, an implementable circular for the 40 percent peculiar allowance was formally handed to the JNPSNC leadership.

In an interview, JNPSNC National Secretary Olowoyo Gbenga described the outcome as a major victory for Nigerian workers and a positive step toward improving welfare amid the current economic hardship.

He said the allowance will take effect on May 1 2026, after workers have been waiting since July 2024 for the adjustment to reflect the new minimum‑wage template.

Gbenga also urged state governments to adopt the circular so that employees at state and local‑government levels can benefit from the relief package.

He lamented the worsening economic conditions facing workers and their dependents, noting that many families are under severe financial pressure.

Gbenga revealed that the JNPSNC had previously set May 21 for a nationwide industrial showdown over the issue, accusing the NSIWC of initially resisting responsibility.

He added that the intervention of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation ultimately averted the crisis 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.

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