The Federal Government has dismissed reports claiming that it approved a 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal civil servants, clarifying that no such directive was issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
The clarification follows widespread media reports suggesting that the allowance had been approved as part of a welfare package for workers in the federal civil service.
Recall that during a press briefing held on April 24, 2026, the Head of Service of the Federation announced a welfare package for civil servants and other entitlements aimed at improving workers’ conditions of service.
The package included the payment of full Duty Tour Allowance for approved trainings in selected institutions, an upward review of peculiar allowances across grade levels under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), as well as increases in estacode, book allowance and other entitlements.
FG Distances Self From 40% Allowance Claim
However, the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Eno Olotu, said in a statement that the office never announced or approved a 40 per cent peculiar allowance for workers.
She stated that, for the avoidance of doubt, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation neither approved nor officially communicated such an allowance to the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) or any labour union.
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According to the statement, the responsibility for issuing and communicating salary-related circulars lies exclusively with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
The statement further clarified that the meeting convened by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, was purely interventionist and conciliatory in nature.
It explained that the engagement was organised to facilitate dialogue between organised labour under its jurisdiction and the NSIWC in order to strengthen mutual understanding and prevent any disruption in labour relations within the federal civil service.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.