The Federal Government has approved the long-awaited 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal civil servants following sustained pressure from organised labour and threats of industrial action.

The decision followed a marathon meeting held on Tuesday and chaired by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson-Jack, in Abuja.

The approval brings an end to nearly two years of agitation by workers over delayed adjustments linked to the implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage structure.

NSIWC Releases Implementation Circular

During the meeting, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) formally released the circular for the implementation of the allowance.

The move marks a major breakthrough in negotiations between government representatives and labour unions.

Mrs Walson-Jack emphasised the need for stronger communication and trust between government institutions and labour unions to prevent avoidable industrial disputes.

She noted that while labour unions have the constitutional right to make demands, dialogue and constructive engagement remain essential for industrial harmony.

Labour Leaders Welcome Intervention

The meeting brought together leaders of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), led by National Chairman Benjamin Uyanto, alongside the Executive Chairman of NSIWC, Eyo Nta.

Both parties reportedly commended the Head of Service for intervening and facilitating a resolution acceptable to all stakeholders.

At the end of deliberations, an implementation circular table for the 40 per cent allowance was officially presented to labour representatives.

Allowance Takes Effect May 1

National Secretary of the JNPSNC (Trade Union side), Olowoyo Gbenga, described the development as a significant win for workers.

According to him, implementation of the allowance will take effect from May 1, 2026.

Workers had reportedly been waiting since July 2024 for adjustments tied to the new wage structure.

Strike Action May Be Suspended

Gbenga revealed that the union had earlier fixed May 21 for a nationwide industrial action over delays in implementing the allowance.

He alleged that the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission had initially resisted responsibility before the intervention of the Office of the Head of Service.

“With this development, workers may likely sheath their swords and allow industrial peace to reign in the workplace,” he said.

He also urged state governments to adopt similar measures so workers at state and local government levels can benefit from the welfare package.

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Labour unions under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have suspended their planned protest in Abuja and directed workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to resume duties immediately.

The announcement came following a late-night conciliatory meeting between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and union representatives. The meeting was convened at the instance of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Mohammed Bomoi.

A circular dated February 3, 2026, jointly signed by TUC Secretary General Nuhu Toro and Acting NLC General Secretary Benson Upah on behalf of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), instructed all affiliates to return to work immediately.

According to the circular, the meeting, which began at 11:45 pm and ended at 3:51 am, involved extensive discussions addressing all complaints raised by JUAC members. The FCT Minister assured organised labour of mutual respect and sustained engagement going forward.

The unions confirmed that no worker would face victimisation arising from the recent strike, and all outstanding cases at the National Industrial Court would be withdrawn. The directive aims to preserve industrial peace and ensure uninterrupted public services in the FCT.

The decision follows legal and security concerns over the proposed protest, initially scheduled for Tuesday, February 3. On Monday, the National Industrial Court issued an order restraining NLC and TUC from any industrial action within Abuja, pending the resolution of the dispute. The case has been adjourned to February 10.

FCTA workers had embarked on an indefinite strike on January 19, 2026, over unpaid salaries, promotion arrears, and poor working conditions, affecting activities across several secretariats, departments, and agencies.

Observers noted that with the suspension of the planned protest, workers were seen returning to the FCTA Secretariat by early Tuesday morning, signalling a temporary resolution to the industrial dispute in Nigeria’s capital.

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The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called off its three-day strike following a breakthrough in negotiations with Dangote Refinery.

The truce was reached during a marathon meeting at the Office of the National Security Adviser, where both parties signed an agreement aimed at resolving the dispute that had paralyzed operations.

Announcing the suspension at a press briefing, PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo cautioned the refinery’s management against backtracking on the deal. “If the company reneges on its agreement, the union would not take it lightly,” he warned.

The disagreement stemmed from the unionisation of some refinery employees, a move that had placed PENGASSAN and the refinery on a collision course. With the strike suspended, industry watchers say attention will now turn to whether both sides can sustain dialogue and prevent further disruption in the sector.

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The Kaduna State Government has begun implementing the new ₦72,000 minimum wage, starting with civil servants on Grade Levels 1 to 6.

The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC), Kaduna State Council, confirmed the development during a press briefing on Thursday, describing it as a welcome first step — but called for immediate extension to all workers.

“The government has started with Grade Levels 1–6, but we want to make it clear that this is only the first phase,” said State NLC Chairman, Comrade Ayuba Suleiman. “We expect the implementation to cover all categories of workers, including teachers, healthcare workers, and employees in tertiary institutions and parastatals.”

The government has linked the full rollout to an ongoing staff and pension verification exercise expected to conclude by the end of September.

“While we understand the need for proper documentation, we want the government to fast-track the process so that no category of worker is left behind,” Suleiman said.

He welcomed the plan to revise healthcare salary structures in line with the new wage but expressed concern that local government staff, primary school teachers, and healthcare workers are yet to benefit.

“Our people have suffered enough. Inflation has eroded salaries, and families are struggling to survive. The ₦72,000 minimum wage is not a favor; it is a right,” he added.

Talks between the NLC and the state government are ongoing. Suleiman urged transparency, warning that industrial peace depends on timely and fair implementation.

“We expect the government to do the right thing,” he said.

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