A 40 percent peculiar allowance for federal civil servants has been approved following mounting pressure from organised labour and threats of industrial action.
The decision came after a crucial meeting held in Abuja and presided over by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack.
During the meeting, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission formally issued a circular authorising the implementation of the allowance.
This development is said to bring an end to nearly two years of agitation by workers, who had demanded adjustments linked to the new ₦70,000 minimum wage structure introduced earlier.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, emphasised the need for improved communication and trust between government institutions and labour unions.
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She noted that while workers have the constitutional right to press for better welfare, dialogue and engagement remain essential to maintaining industrial harmony and preventing disruptions.
The meeting also featured contributions from the leadership of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, led by its chairman, Benjamin Uyanto, as well as the Executive Chairman of the commission, Eyo Nta.
Both parties presented their positions before an agreement was reached through the intervention of the Head of Service.
Following the resolution, an implementation framework for the allowance was presented to labour representatives.
The National Secretary of the council, Olowoyo Gbenga, described the outcome as a major victory for workers, noting that the allowance would take effect from May 1, 2026, after a prolonged delay since July 2024.
Gbenga also urged state governments to adopt similar measures to extend the benefits to workers at the state and local levels.
He acknowledged the economic difficulties faced by many families and stressed that the approval would provide much-needed relief.
The planned industrial action scheduled for May 21 has now been suspended, as workers are expected to embrace the agreement and restore stability across the public service.
