The Federal Government has set October 1, 2026, as the effective date for the implementation of the newly approved duty tour, estacode and other allowances for civil servants on Grade Levels 01–17.

The review, conveyed in a circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, also covers training, professional development and sector-specific allowances, with increases across various categories.

However, the Nigeria Labour Congress has described the increment in peculiar allowance as inadequate, saying it fell short of addressing the impact of inflation on workers’ living conditions, and called for broader interventions to improve welfare.

In an official circular issued by the NSIWC and signed by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ekpo U.O. Nta, addressed to key government officials, including ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of agencies and top legislative and judicial administrators, the circular outlined a comprehensive review of allowances captured under the Public Service Rules (2021 Edition).

“In line with the provision of Rule 140101(b) of the Federal Public Service Rules (2021 edition), the commission hereby conveys approval for the review of the following allowances for officers on GL 01–17

“This approval takes effect from 1st October, 2026,” Nta said.

The circular details significant adjustments across major allowances, particularly those tied to official travel, training, and operational responsibilities.

Under the revised structure, Duty Tour Allowance was increased across all grade levels, with senior officers on GL 16–17 now entitled to N109,000, while those on GL 01–04 will receive N30,000.

Similarly, kilometre allowance for official travel was reviewed, with permanent secretaries now entitled to N664 per kilometre, while officers on GL 01–04 will earn N174 per kilometre.

Estacode allowances for foreign trips were also adjusted, with permanent secretaries to receive $1,040, officers on GL 15–17 earning $737, and those on GL 01–06 receiving $357.

“The commission hereby conveys approval for the review of… allowances contained in the Public Service Rules (2021 Edition),” Nta reiterated.

The revised package also strengthens provisions for training and professional development.

Civil servants undergoing courses lasting one year or more are entitled to N150,000 as book and project allowances, while those on shorter courses will receive N125,000.

Local course allowances were equally reviewed, with officers on GL 16–17 to receive N33,877.5 per day, while those on GL 01–04 will earn N9,034.1 per day.

In the education sector, specific allowances were outlined for teachers, particularly in science and mathematics disciplines, as well as laboratory attendants.

Science and mathematics teachers on GL 14, for instance, will receive up to N480,000 annually, while laboratory attendants on the same grade level will earn N216,000 per annum.

Other allowances covered in the review include disengagement allowance, resettlement allowance pegged at 10 per cent of annual consolidated salary, and a non-accident bonus of N150,000 annually for eligible drivers.

The commission also noted that some allowances would continue to be guided by existing provisions in the Public Service Rules, while others would be clarified in subsequent circulars.

“Any allowance that is listed under PSR 140102 without monetary values… or is not listed in the PSR but is in operation… will be addressed through specific circulars by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission,” Nta explained.

The October 2026 commencement date provides a transition window for ministries, departments and agencies to align their budgets and payroll systems with the new structure.

The current review is anchored on the Public Service Rules (2021 Edition), which guide administrative and welfare structures within the federal public service.

The adjustment comes amid a series of reforms targeted at improving worker welfare, including recent policy changes on housing loans and retirement benefits.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, outlined key reforms endorsed by the Federal Executive Council.

She added that “The revised allowance has been structured to reflect across all grade levels, resulting in a meaningful increase in take-home pay across different cadres.”

The NLC, however, said the increment in peculiar allowance was not enough to cushion inflation.

The Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent in Abuja on Sunday.

“While the gesture is appreciated, it certainly is not enough considering the depth and breadth of the material conditions of workers this very moment.

“Accordingly, we urge employers, especially, government at all levels, to deepen their scope of interventions,” Upah said. (The PUNCH)

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