HCSF denies approving 40% peculiar allowance for workers

The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has distanced itself from media reports claiming it approved a 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal civil servants.

The OHCSF stated that the decision lies solely with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), according to a statement on Thursday by its Director, Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu.

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

“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,” Olotu said.

She recall that on 24th of 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.

She said that such included full Duty Tour Allowance for approved trainings in selected training institutions, 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 increase in Estacode, Book Allowance, and other entitlements.

The Federal Government also approved a N10 billion housing loan scheme aimed at expanding access to affordable home ownership opportunities for Public Servants.

Olotu said 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.