Workers warn over delayed 40% allowance, promotion arrears

Civil servants have warned the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, about the delayed implementation of the 40% peculiar allowance and the payment of outstanding promotion arrears. The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), Trade Union Side, urged the minister to urgently address the issues, warning that continued delay could lead to restiveness among public servants.

In a letter signed by its National Secretary, Olowoyo Gbenga, the council acknowledged the government's recent payment of two months' outstanding wage award but stated that the 40% allowance remains unresolved. The council recalled its earlier letter to the minister on July 9, 2026, which led to a meeting on August 5, 2026, where they commended the minister for responding to their earlier appeal and for paying the outstanding wage award within the agreed timeline.

However, the workers said the implementation of the 40% peculiar allowance, backed by a circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, is yet to be resolved. They demanded the implementation of the allowance and payment of promotion arrears for batches seven and nine. The council warned that restiveness among public servants is building up due to the unresolved issues and appealed to the minister to act urgently before the situation deteriorates, stating that "a stitch in time saves nine."