ABUJA, Nigeria – The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has denied reports claiming it approved the 40 per cent peculiar allowance for Federal Civil Servants, clarifying that the statutory responsibility for issuing such circulars rests solely with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
In a press statement released on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the OHCSF described the reports circulating in the media as misleading and moved to set the record straight regarding its role in the matter.
“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 statement read.
The OHCSF explained that the circular under reference was issued by the NSIWC on April 23, 2026, and that the office of the Head of Service played no role in its issuance or communication.
The clarification follows media reports that had suggested the Head of Service approved the 40 per cent peculiar allowance following a meeting with labour unions.
May 12 Meeting Was Conciliatory, Not Approving
The OHCSF disclosed that the meeting convened by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, was strictly an interventionist and conciliatory engagement.
According to the office, the meeting aimed at facilitating dialogue between 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.
“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,” the statement added.
FG’s Robust Welfare Package for Civil Servants
The OHCSF recalled that on April 23, 2026, the Head of Civil Service announced at a well-attended press briefing that the Federal Government had approved a robust welfare package for Civil Servants.
The package 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)
· Increase in Estacode, Book Allowance, and other entitlements
· A ₦10 billion housing loan scheme aimed at expanding access to affordable home ownership opportunities for Public Servants
Commitment to Labour Harmony
The OHCSF reaffirmed its commitment to fostering peaceful labour relations and sustaining collaborative engagement with all stakeholders towards the continued advancement of industrial harmony in the Federal Civil Service.
Discussion about this post