Head of Service confirms approval of a 40% special allowance for civil servants

The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation clarified that it has not approved a 40 percent peculiar allowance for federal civil servants.

The Head of Civil Service stated that it neither approved the allowance nor formally communicated its approval to the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) or any labour union.

It added that the statutory duty to issue and communicate such circulars lies exclusively with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).

In a statement signed by Mrs Eno Olotu, Director of Press and Public Relations, the HCSF said, “The circular in question was issued by the NSIWC on 23 April 2026.”

“The meeting convened by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on Tuesday, 12 May 2026 was described as an interventionist and conciliatory session intended to foster dialogue between the organised labour under its jurisdiction and the NSIWC, thereby promoting mutual understanding and preventing a breakdown in labour relations within the Federal Civil Service,” the statement added.

On 24 April 2026, the HCSF announced that the Federal Government had approved a comprehensive welfare package for civil servants, including a full Duty Tour Allowance for approved training at selected institutions, an upward review of the Peculiar Allowance across grade levels on the Consolidated Salary Structure, CONPSS and the Consolidated Research and Associated Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), and increases in Estacode, Book Allowance, and other entitlements.

The Federal Government also approved a N10 billion housing loan scheme designed to broaden access to affordable home ownership for public servants.

The OHCSF reaffirmed its commitment to fostering peaceful labour relations and maintaining collaborative engagement with all stakeholders to advance industrial harmony within the Federal Civil Service.