Workers Warn Over Delayed 40% Allowance, Promotion Arrears

Federal civil servants have warned of growing restiveness over the delayed implementation of a 40 per cent peculiar allowance and payment of outstanding promotion arrears.

The warning was contained in a letter to Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, Trade Union Side.

The council urged the minister to resolve the two outstanding issues, stressing that continued delays could worsen dissatisfaction among workers.

The workers acknowledged the Federal Government’s recent payment of two months’ outstanding wage award, which they said was made before the agreed August 15 deadline.

However, the council said the 40 per cent peculiar allowance remained unresolved despite being discussed during the August meeting.

According to the workers, the allowance was provided for in a circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, with implementation effective from May 1, 2026. They said it was expected to reflect the N70,000 national minimum wage.

Another major demand is the payment of promotion arrears for batches seven and nine. The council said the payments were still hanging in the process of implementation and urged the minister to ensure affected workers receive their entitlements.

The latest letter follows earlier correspondence dated July 9 and the August 5 meeting with the minister. The council said the government’s response to the wage award had strengthened confidence that the remaining issues could also be resolved.

The council, however, warned that frustration was building among public servants and that potential spontaneous reactions could emerge if the outstanding matters remained unresolved.

It urged the minister to act before the situation escalated, stressing the importance of resolving the disputes without another ultimatum.

The development highlights continuing disagreements over implementation of revised remuneration arrangements for federal workers.

For affected employees, the allowance and promotion arrears represent outstanding financial entitlements.

The council said timely action would help preserve industrial harmony and prevent renewed tension within the public service and restore confidence among affected workers.

It ended its appeal by urging early intervention before the dispute grows into a larger labour confrontation.

Workers said prompt implementation would demonstrate government’s commitment to resolving outstanding claims.