ABUJA, Nigeria – The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has issued a formal clarification regarding the widely circulated reports on the approval of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance for Federal Civil Servants.
In a press statement released on May 13, 2026, signed by Mrs. Eno Olotu, Director of Press and Public Relations, the Office sought to correct misconceptions regarding its role in the approval and communication of the new allowance.
Statutory Authority and Communication
The OHCSF emphasized that it does not hold the statutory responsibility for approving or formally conveying salary-related allowances to labour unions.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation neither approved nor formally conveyed the approval of the allowance to the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) or any labour union,” the statement read.
The Office clarified that the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) is the sole body mandated to issue and communicate such circulars. According to the OHCSF, the circular in question was officially issued by the NSIWC on April 23, 2026.
Interventionist Meeting
Addressing a recent meeting convened by the Head of the Civil Service on May 12, 2026, the statement described the session as “strictly interventionist and conciliatory.”
The goal of the engagement was to facilitate a productive dialogue between organized labour and the NSIWC, ensuring industrial harmony and preventing a breakdown in labour relations within the Federal Civil Service.
Robust Welfare Package Confirmed
While clarifying the procedural aspects, the OHCSF reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of its workforce. The statement recalled an earlier briefing on April 23, 2026, where a comprehensive welfare package was announced, including:
Upward Review of Peculiar Allowance: Across grade levels on the Consolidated Salary structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Associated Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS).
Enhanced Allowances: Full Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) for selected training, increased Estacode, and Book Allowances.
Housing Support: The approval of a ₦10 billion housing loan scheme designed to expand affordable homeownership for public servants.
The OHCSF concluded by reiterating its commitment to fostering peaceful labour relations and sustaining collaborative engagement with all stakeholders to ensure continued stability within the service.
