The Federal Government has approved the implementation of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal civil servants following prolonged agitation by organised labour over delays linked to the new N70,000 minimum wage structure.
The approval was reached after a meeting chaired by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson-Jack, at her office in Abuja on Tuesday.
The meeting involved officials of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and leaders of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union Side).
According to sources at the meeting, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission formally presented the circular for the implementation of the allowance, ending nearly two years of demands by workers for the adjustment.
Speaking at the meeting, Walson-Jack stressed the need for stronger communication and mutual trust between government institutions and labour unions to prevent industrial disputes.
She acknowledged the constitutional right of labour unions to press for workers’ welfare while urging continuous dialogue to sustain industrial harmony.
The meeting also allowed the National Chairman of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, Benjamin Uyanto, and the Executive Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Eyo Nta, to present their positions before an agreement was reached.
Both officials reportedly commended the intervention of the Head of Service in resolving the dispute.
The National Secretary of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union Side), Olowoyo Gbenga, described the approval as a major achievement for workers amid current economic challenges.
Gbenga said implementation of the allowance would take effect from May 1, 2026, noting that workers had awaited the adjustment since July 2024.
He urged state governments to adopt the circular to enable workers at state and local government levels benefit from the allowance.
According to him, worsening economic conditions had placed severe pressure on workers and their families across the country.
Gbenga also disclosed that the union had earlier scheduled a nationwide industrial action for May 21 over the delay in implementing the allowance.
He, however, said the intervention of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service helped avert the planned action and restored workers’ confidence in the negotiation process.
“With this development, workers may likely sheath their swords and allow industrial peace to reign in the workplace,” he said.
