Federal Government workers have secured approval for the long-awaited peculiar allowance following rising labour tensions and threats of industrial action by civil servants across Nigeria. The approval followed weeks of pressure from the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, JNPSNC, over delays in implementing the welfare package tied to the new ₦70,000 national minimum wage.
The Federal Government had earlier announced revised welfare measures for workers under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure, CONPSS, and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure, CONRAISS. The measures included adjustments to allowances, duty tour benefits, and retirement packages for federal employees.
However, disagreements emerged after labour leaders accused the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, NSIWC, of delaying and allegedly altering the implementation process for the 40 percent peculiar allowance approved for workers. The union argued that the payment structure lacked transparency and failed to reflect the ₦70,000 minimum wage framework approved under the National Minimum Wage Act 2024.
In a letter signed by JNPSNC National Chairman, Benjamin Uyanto, and National Secretary, Olowoyo Gbenga, the union warned that continued delays could trigger a nationwide strike beginning May 21. The council accused the commission of excluding labour representatives from discussions concerning the allowance templates and payment structure.
The union stated that collective bargaining principles were ignored during the process. According to the letter, the approach adopted by the commission was “full of complexity and shrouded with suspicion.” Labour leaders also argued that the delayed implementation had worsened economic pressure on workers already facing rising living costs nationwide.
Earlier, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, announced broader reforms affecting federal workers. She confirmed that almost all allowances under the Public Service Rules had been reviewed. She also disclosed that workers attending approved training programmes would receive full Duty Tour Allowance, DTA, regardless of travel status.
The Federal Government additionally introduced a retirement exit package for workers under the Contributory Pension Scheme. The scheme grants retirees 100 percent of their annual emoluments as exit benefits from January 1, 2026, alongside pension payments.
Labour groups maintained that proper implementation of the peculiar allowance remains critical to restoring confidence within the federal workforce. They insisted that all approved welfare adjustments must be transparently executed to avoid further industrial disputes within the public service.
The development carries significant implications for Nigeria’s public sector administration and labour relations. Analysts say improved welfare packages could strengthen morale within the civil service amid persistent inflation and broader economic pressures affecting workers nationwide.
For now, attention remains focused on the release of clear implementation guidelines and payment structures expected from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission in the coming weeks.
