By Our Correspondent
National News – Federal civil servants in Nigeria have threatened to embark on a nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to implement the 40 per cent peculiar allowance linked to the new ₦70,000 minimum wage.
The warning was issued by workers under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, who gave the government until March 31, 2026, to resolve the delay or face industrial action that could disrupt government operations across the country.
The workers’ representatives, led by the National Chairman, Benjamin Uyantomni, and National Secretary, Olowoyo Gbenga, made the demand in a letter addressed to the Executive Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
According to them, the delay in releasing the official circular and salary templates required for implementing the allowance has prevented thousands of federal civil servants from receiving the benefit.
The union explained that the 40 per cent peculiar allowance forms a key component of the revised wage structure introduced alongside the recently approved ₦70,000 national minimum wage.
The government had approved the wage increase to help Nigerian workers cope with rising inflation, the removal of fuel subsidies, and the worsening cost-of-living crisis.
Despite submitting a proposal on September 1, 2025, to support the implementation process, the council said the commission had yet to act.
The union described the delay as “undue” and warned that workers’ patience was wearing thin after months without progress.
During a meeting held on March 9, 2026, with leaders of affiliated unions, the council resolved to issue an ultimatum demanding immediate action.
The labour body stressed that failure to implement the allowance before the deadline would leave workers with no option but to take decisive steps, including possible industrial action.
Labour leaders argued that the allowance is designed to address salary disparities and compensate civil servants for job-specific conditions across the public service.
They warned that continued delays could undermine the intended benefits of the new wage reform.
With inflation still high and workers struggling with declining purchasing power, the union said prompt implementation of the allowance is necessary to ensure public servants feel the impact of the government’s wage adjustment.
