FG Workers Demand Implementation of 40% Allowance Before March 31 Deadline

From Victor Osula, Abuja

Federal civil servants have intensified calls on the Federal Government to implement the 40 percent peculiar allowance tied to the ₦70,000 national minimum wage, setting a March 31 deadline in a move aimed at accelerating the full realisation of ongoing wage reforms and improving workers’ welfare.

The demand was conveyed by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) in a formal letter addressed to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).

Signed by the council’s National Chairman, Benjamin Uyantomni, and National Secretary, Olowoyo Gbenga, the letter highlighted the need for urgent administrative action to enable payments.

The union expressed concern over delays in issuing the circular and salary templates required to operationalise the allowance, noting that the holdup has slowed the translation of approved wage improvements into tangible benefits for workers.

“The National Leadership of the JNPSNC is constrained to draw the attention of the management of the NSIWC to the undue delay in issuing the appropriate circular and salary templates required to facilitate the payment of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance,” the letter stated.

According to the council, a detailed proposal was submitted to the commission on September 1, 2025, while the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation had already transmitted approval for the allowance. Despite these steps, implementation has yet to commence, prompting renewed engagement by labour leaders.

At a meeting held on March 9, 2026, involving leaders of affiliate unions, the council resolved to press for immediate progress, expressing optimism that the matter can be resolved promptly through continued dialogue and cooperation with relevant authorities.

“Accordingly, we demand a positive response on or before Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Failure to comply will leave the council with no option but to take necessary action. No retreat, no surrender”, the letter added.

The push for implementation follows the Federal Government’s approval of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage after extensive negotiations with labour unions, a policy widely regarded as a major step toward cushioning workers against inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and rising living costs.

The 40 percent peculiar allowance is designed to address pay disparities and compensate for job-specific conditions within the federal civil service, and its rollout is expected to significantly enhance the impact of the new wage structure.