The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has dismissed reports claiming that it approved a 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal civil servants, clarifying that no such approval was issued or formally communicated to labour unions.
Newsonspot reports that in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Eno Olotu, the office explained that the responsibility for issuing official circulars relating to salaries and allowances belongs exclusively to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
According to the statement released on Wednesday, the circular currently being referenced was issued by the commission on April 23, 2026, and not by the OHCSF.
The office further clarified that contrary to reports circulating in sections of the media, it neither approved nor transmitted the alleged allowance to the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council or any labour organisation.
The OHCSF also addressed concerns surrounding a meeting convened by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, on May 12, 2026. It stated that the meeting was purely interventionist and conciliatory, aimed at encouraging dialogue between organised labour and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, rather than serving as a platform for approving allowances.
The office recalled that during a press briefing held on April 24, 2026, it announced a broader welfare package for federal civil servants. The package included adjustments to duty tour allowances, proposed reviews of peculiar allowances across salary structures, increases in estacode and book allowances, as well as a ₦10 billion housing loan scheme for public servants.
According to the statement, the welfare initiatives introduced by the federal government are designed to improve working conditions within the civil service and promote industrial harmony nationwide.
