National News – The Federal Government has approved a sweeping review of allowances for civil servants on GL 01–17, setting October 1, 2026 as the implementation date across ministries, departments and agencies nationwide.

The decision, announced by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission in Abuja on Sunday, affects duty tour, estacode, kilometre, training and sector-specific allowances.

The move, aimed at improving welfare, comes amid rising inflation and ongoing labour tensions in Nigeria.

Under the revised structure, duty tour allowance now ranges from N30,000 for GL 01–04 officers to N109,000 for GL 16–17, while kilometre claims for official travel were also adjusted, with senior civil servants earning up to N664 per kilometre.

Estacode for foreign assignments was similarly reviewed, with permanent secretaries receiving over $1,000 per trip.

Training and professional development allowances were also expanded, including book and project support for longer courses and daily stipends for short-term training programmes.

These adjustments reflect government’s attempt to align welfare with current economic realities.

The Nigeria Labour Congress, however, rejected the increment as insufficient, arguing that it does not match the severity of inflation and worsening cost of living faced by workers.

Labour leaders insisted that while the review is a positive gesture, broader wage reforms and stronger social protections are still required.

According to union representatives, many civil servants are already struggling with transport, housing, and food expenses despite previous salary adjustments.

Analysts say the delayed implementation date of October 2026 could ease immediate fiscal pressure on government budgets but may also heighten frustration among workers seeking urgent relief.

The reforms are expected to increase public service expenditure while testing government commitment to welfare improvement.

In Lagos and Abuja, reactions among civil servants were mixed, with some welcoming the review and others calling it too little, too late.

The policy could also influence future labour negotiations nationwide.

Overall, the allowance review marks a significant policy shift in Nigeria’s public service remuneration structure, but its success will depend on timely implementation and broader economic stability.