By Stella Odueme
The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has clarified reports circulating in the media regarding the alleged approval of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal civil servants, stating that it neither approved nor officially communicated such approval to labour unions.
In a statement issued on Wednesday night by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu, said the statutory responsibility for issuing and communicating circulars on salaries and allowances rests solely with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
It noted that the circular being referenced in the reports was issued by the commission on April 23, 2026.
According to the office, the meeting convened by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on May 12 was strictly an intervention and conciliatory engagement designed to facilitate dialogue between organised labour under its jurisdiction and the NSIWC.
The office explained that the meeting was aimed at promoting mutual understanding and preventing any breakdown in labour relations within the federal civil service.
The OHCSF recalled that during a press briefing on April 24, the Head of Service announced that the Federal Government had approved a welfare package for civil servants, including full duty tour allowance for approved trainings in selected institutions, an upward review of peculiar allowance across grade levels on the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), as well as increases in estacode, book allowance and other entitlements.
It also noted that the Federal Government approved a ₦10 billion housing loan scheme to improve access to affordable home ownership opportunities for public servants.
The OHCSF reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peaceful labour relations and sustaining collaborative engagement with stakeholders to promote industrial harmony across the federal civil service.
