FG debunks reports on 40% peculiar allowance for workers

The Federal Government has debunked claims circulating in the media regarding the approval of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal civil servants.

The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, in a statement on Thursday by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Eno Olotu, said no such pronouncement on a 40 per cent peculiar allowance for civil servants emanated from the office.

“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 statutory responsibility for the issuance and communication of such circulars rests solely with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).

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“The circular under reference was issued by NSIWC on 23 April 2026,” the statement added.

It further noted that the meeting convened by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, was strictly an interventionist and conciliatory engagement aimed at facilitating dialogue between organised labour under its jurisdiction and the NSIWC, in order to promote mutual understanding and avert any breakdown in labour relations within the federal civil service.

Recall that on 24 April 2026, the HCSF, at a well-attended press briefing, announced that the Federal Government had approved a robust welfare package for civil servants and other entitlements, which included full Duty Tour Allowance for approved trainings in selected training institutions, an upward review of peculiar allowance across grade levels on the Consolidated Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Associated Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), and an increase in Estacode, Book Allowance and other entitlements.

The Federal Government also approved a ₦10 billion housing loan scheme aimed at expanding access to affordable home ownership opportunities for public servants.

“The OHCSF remains committed to fostering peaceful labour relations and sustaining collaborative engagement with all stakeholders towards the continued advancement of industrial harmony in the federal civil service,” the statement said.