Federal civil servants have given the government until March 31 to implement the 40 percent peculiar allowance linked to the ₦70,000 minimum wage or face industrial action.
The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council issued the warning in a letter addressed to the Executive Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, signed by National Chairman Benjamin Uyantomni and National Secretary Olowoyo Gbenga.
The union expressed frustration over what it described as unnecessary delays in releasing the circular and salary templates needed to process the allowance.
“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 read.
According to the council, it submitted a detailed proposal to the commission as far back as September 1, 2025, but no progress has been made since then.
“This deliberate inaction has denied thousands of public servants their rightful entitlement,” the union stated.
The JNPSNC noted that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation had already transmitted approval for the allowance to the commission, yet implementation remained stalled.
At a meeting on March 9, 2026, attended by leaders of affiliate unions, the council resolved to demand immediate action.
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“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 dispute follows the government’s approval of a new ₦70,000 national minimum wage after prolonged negotiations with labour unions.
Consequently, the increase was meant to cushion workers against rising inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and the broader cost-of-living crisis that has weakened purchasing power.
However, implementation has been marked by delays and disputes over additional components such as allowances and consequential adjustments across various levels of the public service.
The 40 percent peculiar allowance is designed to address pay disparities and compensate for job-specific conditions within the federal civil service. Its delay has raised concerns that the wage reform may not deliver meaningful income gains for workers.
The ultimatum signals potential unrest in Nigeria’s public sector at a time when economic pressures are mounting.
With inflation remaining high and the real value of wages declining, delays in implementing agreed benefits carry immediate consequences for affected employees.