Head of Service clarifies approval of 40% peculiar allowance to civil servants

The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has clarified reports surrounding the approval of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal civil servants.

 

The office stated that it neither approved nor formally communicated the approval of the allowance to the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council or any labour union.

 

According to the Office of the Head of Service, the responsibility for issuing and communicating such circulars lies solely with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

 

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Eno Olotu.

 

“The Circular under reference was issued by NSIWC on the 23rd of April 2026,” the statement read.

 

It explained that the meeting convened by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, was only aimed at facilitating dialogue between organised labour and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

 

“The meeting convened by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on Tuesday, 12th May 2026 was strictly an interventionist and conciliatory engagement aimed at facilitating dialogue between the 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,” the statement added.

 

The clarification follows an earlier announcement made by the Office of the Head of Service on April 24, 2026, stating that the Federal Government had approved a welfare package for civil servants.

 

The package reportedly included full Duty Tour Allowance for approved trainings in selected institutions, upward review of peculiar allowances across grade levels on the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure, as well as increases in estacode, book allowance and other entitlements.

 

The Federal Government had also announced a N10bn housing loan scheme aimed at improving access to affordable housing for public servants.

 

The Office of the Head of Service reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peaceful labour relations and promoting industrial harmony within the Federal Civil Service.