The Federal Government has approved the implementation of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal civil servants, ending months of tension between organised labour and government authorities over delayed wage adjustments tied to the new N70,000 minimum wage.
The approval followed a crucial meeting held on Tuesday at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in Abuja, where top government officials and labour leaders reached an agreement after prolonged negotiations.
The meeting, chaired by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson-Jack, also saw the formal release of the implementation circular by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, bringing closure to nearly two years of agitation by workers.
Addressing union leaders during the meeting, Walson-Jack emphasised the need for sustained dialogue between government and labour unions to prevent avoidable industrial crises.
She noted that while workers and unions reserve the right to press home demands, government institutions must also prioritise communication and constructive engagement to maintain industrial harmony.
The meeting featured presentations from the leadership of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, led by its National Chairman, Benjamin Uyanto, and the Executive Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Eyo Nta, before an agreement was eventually reached.
Both labour and government representatives commended the Head of Service for intervening in the dispute, describing her role as critical to resolving the impasse.
Following the deliberations, the implementation table for the 40 per cent peculiar allowance was officially handed over to labour representatives.
Speaking after the meeting, National Secretary of the JNPSNC (Trade Union side), Olowoyo Gbenga, described the approval as a major breakthrough for workers battling rising living costs and worsening economic conditions.
According to him, implementation of the allowance will commence from May 1, 2026.
He noted that workers had waited since July 2024 for the adjustment to reflect under the new wage structure.
Olowoyo also urged state governments to domesticate the implementation circular so workers at the state and local government levels could benefit from the allowance.
He lamented the economic difficulties confronting workers and their families, saying many households had been pushed to severe financial strain.
The union leader further disclosed that labour had earlier fixed May 21 for a nationwide industrial action over the delay, accusing the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission of initially refusing to take responsibility for implementation.
However, he said intervention by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service eventually resolved the crisis.
“With this development, workers may likely sheath their swords and allow industrial peace to reign in the workplace,” he said.
