The Federal Government has clarified reports circulating in sections of the media alleging that a 40 per cent peculiar allowance had been approved for federal civil servants, stating that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, OHCSF, neither approved nor officially communicated such an approval to labour unions.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the OHCSF, Mrs. Eno Olotu.
OHCSF Distances Self from Allowance Circular
According to the statement, the statutory responsibility for issuing and communicating circulars relating to salaries and allowances for public servants lies exclusively with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, NSIWC.
The office explained that the circular currently being referenced in reports was issued by the NSIWC on April 23, 2026, and not by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
It stressed that contrary to claims making the rounds, the OHCSF did not transmit any approval regarding the allowance to the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, JNPSNC, or any organised labour group.
Meeting with Labour Was for Dialogue, Not Approval
The statement also clarified the purpose of a recent meeting convened by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, on May 12, 2026.
It noted that the engagement was purely interventionist and conciliatory, aimed at fostering dialogue between organised labour and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission over issues affecting workers.
According to the office, the meeting was never intended to serve as an approval platform for the reported 40 per cent peculiar allowance.
Earlier Announcement
The OHCSF recalled that during a press briefing held on April 24, 2026, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation had unveiled a broader welfare package targeted at improving the wellbeing of federal civil servants.
The welfare measures announced at the time included adjustments to duty tour allowances, upward review of peculiar allowances across salary structures, increases in estacode and book allowances, as well as other entitlements for public servants.
Also highlighted during the briefing was a ₦10 billion housing loan scheme designed to support federal workers in accessing affordable housing.
FG Reaffirms Commitment to Workers’ Welfare
The statement maintained that the Federal Government remains committed to improving conditions of service within the civil service and sustaining industrial harmony across government institutions.
It added that ongoing welfare reforms were part of broader efforts to enhance productivity, motivate workers, and strengthen the efficiency of the public service.