Allowance review: Hope for civil servants amid economic strain?

Published

April 29, 2026

The recent approval of increased peculiar allowances and welfare benefits for Federal Civil Servants has sparked renewed hope among workers battling the harsh realities of rising inflation, high transportation costs and dwindling purchasing power.

For many employees in the Federal Public Service, the announcement by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, came as a welcome relief at a time when many households are struggling to cope with the nation’s current economic pressures.

The review, which covers peculiar allowances and other welfare packages across cadres, is expected to improve workers’ take-home pay, morale and productivity.

Across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), reactions have reflected a mixture of optimism, cautious expectation and calls for prompt implementation.

For Ms Benita Solomon, a widow and mother of three said, the development offers a crucial source of support.

“Life has not been easy for every typical civil servant, especially those of us with children and dependents.

“Since the removal of fuel subsidy, it has been from one struggle to another. I sincerely hope this increase is implemented because it will cushion the effects of rising living costs,” she said.

Her experience mirrors that of many workers whose salaries have remained under pressure in the face of escalating food prices, school fees and transport fares.

Mrs Esther Ibrahim, a Grade Level 12 officer, said the announcement could provide some breathing space if translated into reality quickly.

“We have heard similar announcements before. What matters now is implementation; food prices are rising daily and salaries no longer meet basic needs,” she said.

Indeed, analysts note that while salary and allowance adjustments often generate excitement, workers’ confidence depends largely on whether such measures are reflected in monthly payslips without delay.

This explains the scepticism expressed by some workers who say previous welfare pronouncements did not always yield the expected benefits.

Mr Sunday Adeyemi, a senior officer, said many civil servants had learned to wait for practical evidence.

“We have seen policies announced that never got implemented or led to actual increases in take-home pay.

“Many of us will remain cautious until we see the increase reflected in our payslips,” he said.

Still, for junior workers and those in lower income brackets, the prospect of improved allowances is significant.

Mr Musa Abu, a junior civil servant, said the increase in Duty Tour Allowance and related benefits would reduce work-related personal expenses.

“Transport, feeding and even training costs sometimes come from our pockets. If these changes take effect, it will make a huge difference,” he said.

Observers say this highlights a long-standing challenge within the civil service, where workers often shoulder official expenses pending reimbursement or in the absence of adequate funding.

Another aspect of the reform that has attracted attention is the introduction of an exit benefit scheme.

Miss Ifeoma Okeke said the initiative could restore confidence in the public service and improve workers’ outlook toward retirement.

“At least people can look forward to retirement with some dignity. But again, it depends on how faithfully the pronouncements are implemented,” she said.

Experts say retirement security remains a major concern for many public servants, particularly amid inflationary pressures that have reduced the real value of pensions and gratuities.

Dr Gideon Maigida, an economist, said although the measures were commendable, inflation could weaken the intended gains.

“Increasing allowances improves disposable income, but if inflation, especially food inflation, remains high, the real benefit may be limited,” he said.

He urged government to complement the wage-related reforms with policies that boost food supply, support agriculture and stabilise prices.

Similarly, public finance analyst, Mrs Adenike Adeusi, said the reforms could raise morale and productivity if effectively managed.

“When workers feel supported, output improves. However, government must ensure fiscal sustainability to avoid creating future financial pressures,” she said.

According to her, transparency in implementation will be critical in rebuilding trust between workers and government.

Many workers also see the review as recognition of the sacrifices made by civil servants who continue to provide essential services despite economic constraints.

Mrs Ngozi Eze of the Ministry of Transportation said the development would inspire greater dedication.

“When workers feel valued, they become more committed to their duties. This increase will motivate many of us to give our best and improve service delivery,” she said.

Mr Ibrahim Musa shared similar sentiments, noting that the increase would help workers cope with transportation, housing and feeding costs.

“With the current economic realities, many workers have found it difficult to meet basic needs. This increase will go a long way,” he said.

However, some stakeholders insist that allowances alone may not be sufficient to address broader welfare concerns.

Mr Sani Abdullahi called for regular review of salaries, pensions and workplace conditions.

“It should not stop at allowances alone; there should be comprehensive welfare policies that protect workers and retirees,” he said.

Mr Patrick Odey, another civil servant, said workers had become cautious about government promises because some previous approvals were yet to be fully implemented.

Odey said although the announcement was commendable, many workers would wait to see the actual payment before celebrating.

“Sometimes, when they promise, it may remain on paper; we have had cases like wage awards that workers are still expecting.

“But if this one is implemented, it will strengthen workers financially and improve morale,” he said.

He noted that the cost of hotel accommodation during official trips had risen sharply, making previous duty tour allowances inadequate.

“Anywhere you go now, it is difficult to get a hotel room for less than N30,000 or N50,000, so the old rates could not meet realities,” he said.

He, however, expressed concern that many Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) had not carried out official tours or training programmes in recent years due to lack of funds.

Analysts say the current development underscores the growing importance of worker welfare in sustaining an efficient and motivated public service.

They note that as government pursues economic reforms, balancing fiscal discipline with social protection for workers will remain a delicate but necessary task.

For now, the announcement has rekindled hope among thousands of federal workers.

Nonetheless, the consensus is that the ultimate test lies in rapid implementation and measurable impacts on living standards, far outweighing the initial promises. (NANFeature)

News

JUST IN; APC announces Governorship candidates in 25 States

Published

10 hours ago

May 22, 2026

olalekan

JUST IN; APC announces Governorship candidates in 25 States

The All Progressives Congress on Thursday produced governorship candidates in 25 states ahead of the 2027 general elections, although internal disagreements over consensus arrangements forced the postponement of primaries in Kwara and Bauchi states.

The ruling party also rescheduled the State House of Assembly primaries for Maradun I and Maradun II constituencies in Zamfara State, while delays in the arrival of electoral materials disrupted voting in parts of Nasarawa State.

Among those who emerged as APC governorship candidates were Governors Sheriff Oborevwori in Delta, Peter Mbah in Enugu and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, who clinched the party’s ticket in Lagos.

Other states where governorship candidates emerged included Oyo, Benue, Sokoto, Gombe, Yobe, Niger, Borno, Ebonyi, Abia, Jigawa, Taraba, Zamfara, Plateau, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Kano and Kaduna.

However, the APC National Working Committee shifted the governorship primaries in Kwara and Bauchi to Friday following consultations with stakeholders.

In a statement issued by APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party said the postponement was aimed at ensuring a smooth and credible process.

“The All Progressives Congress hereby announces the rescheduling of the governorship primary elections in Bauchi and Kwara States to Friday, May 22, 2026,” the statement read.

“The decision was approved by the National Working Committee following consultations with relevant stakeholders and in furtherance of the party’s commitment to ensuring a transparent, orderly, peaceful and credible primary election process.”

Despite the official explanation, the postponement triggered tension within the party, especially in Kwara and Bauchi where supporters accused powerful interests of attempting to impose preferred candidates.

In Kwara State, political uncertainty deepened around Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s preferred successor, Yahaya Seriki.

Hours after the postponement was announced, eight governorship aspirants reportedly stepped down in support of Seriki after consultations among party leaders.

Those who withdrew included Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Prof. Wale Sulaiman, Dr Mohammed Bio, Dr Toyin Alabi and Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.

Sources within the party said the aspirants agreed to support Seriki “in the interest of unity and continuity.”

In Bauchi State, supporters of governorship aspirant Nura Soro staged protests over alleged plans to manipulate the process.

Director of the Nura Soro Campaign Organisation, Dr Auwal Jada, accused unnamed interests of attempting to alter results.

“This is the way previous primary elections were conducted. Our people are here peacefully to protect electoral materials and ensure transparency,” he stated.

“If it is truly free and fair, there should be no secrecy. Agents of all aspirants should accompany the results from the wards, sign them and accept them before they are taken for final collation.”

Meanwhile, political tensions also surfaced in Rivers State after Governor Siminalayi Fubara reportedly withdrew from the APC governorship race in the interest of “peace and unity.”

The decision sparked outrage among some supporters and political associates, who accused influential figures within the party of sidelining the governor politically.

Despite the controversy, Kingsley Chinda emerged as the APC governorship candidate in Rivers after polling 268,497 votes.

Chairman of the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee, Bitrus Kwamoti, declared him winner.

“Ogundu Kingsley, having satisfied the requirements of the APC constitution and guidelines and scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared the winner,” he stated.

In Delta State, Oborevwori secured the APC governorship ticket after polling 345,375 votes in a peaceful direct primary.

Speaking after the exercise, the governor described the process as transparent and violence-free.

“For the first time in Delta State, our primaries were conducted peacefully without violence, crisis or loss of lives. Nobody imposed candidates on the people. The people freely chose those they wanted,” he said.

In Enugu State, Mbah also emerged victorious as party members turned out across the state’s wards.

“It happened because our people are smart. Our people are wise and they know what is good when they see one,” Mbah stated.

In Lagos, Hamzat defeated Olanrewaju Jim-Kamal after polling 657,917 votes in the APC governorship primary conducted across the state’s 245 wards.

In Gombe State, Jamilu Gwamna recorded one of the biggest upsets of the primaries after defeating former ministers Isa Pantami and Said Alkali.

Gwamna polled 247,161 votes while Pantami secured 12,120 votes and Alkali got 11,612 votes.

The APC also confirmed that its presidential primary election will hold nationwide on May 23 through direct voting across the country’s 8,809 wards.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Stanley Osifo are the party’s two presidential aspirants.

News

BREAKING; APC Governorship Candidate for Kwara State finally emerges

Published

11 hours ago

May 22, 2026

olalekan

BREAKING; APC Governorship Candidate for Kwara State finally emerges

Mr Yakubu Danladi-Saliu has won the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Kwara ahead of the 2027 election.

The Chairman of the Primary Election Committee, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, announced the result on Friday in Ilorin.
Obanikoro said Danladi-Saliu secured 94,990 votes to defeat nine other aspirants in the contest.
According to him, Amb. Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki came second with 41,700 votes, while Olufemi Sanni polled 5,519 votes.
Dr Yahaya Oloriegbe scored 3,920 votes, while Mohammed Bergore (SAN) secured 3,411 votes.
Mohammed Bio polled 1,122 votes, Dr Alabi Oluwatoyin got 1,099 votes, while Bashiru Bolarinwa secured 22,118 votes.
Prof. Abubakar Suleiman scored 1,722 votes, while Prof. Wale Suleiman polled 2,434 votes.
Obanikoro said the primary, postponed earlier for logistical reasons, witnessed a peaceful turnout by party members across the state.
“In spite of the inconveniences experienced yesterday, members came out today in large numbers to peacefully participate in the exercise.
“This has demonstrated the unity, perseverance and strength of our great party,” Obanikoro added.
He said there was no loser in the contest, describing all aspirants as members of one political family.
“I hereby certify that Mr Yakubu Danladi-Saliu, having satisfied APC requirements and scored the highest votes, is declared winner,” Obanikoro said.
The Kwara APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, praised members for their orderly conduct during the exercise.
Fagbemi described the successful primary as proof of the party’s readiness for the 2027 general elections. (NAN)

News

JUST IN; Court sentences man to death by hanging for murder

Published

12 hours ago

May 22, 2026

olalekan

JUST IN; Court sentences man to death by hanging for murder

An Osun State High Court sitting in Ile-Ife on Friday sentenced a 30-year-old man, Agboola Taiwo, to death by hanging for murder.

Taiwo was convicted for killing a 62-year-old woman, Jadesola Olubayo, on Oct. 11, 2023, at a palm oil processing site near the Amula River in Olokemeji Village, Ifetedo, in Ife South Local Government Area.

Delivering judgment, Justice Adedapo Adeniji held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and found the defendant guilty.

The court sentenced the convict to 14 years’ imprisonment for attempted rape (Count I), two years’ imprisonment for indecent assault (Count II), and death by hanging for murder (Count III).

Prosecution counsel, Omotayo Babalola of the Ministry of Justice, told the court that the deceased had gone to the processing site with her granddaughter, Latifat Adeyemo, for palm oil production.

She said the site owner, Ajibade Bashiru, later left them to attend to his nearby farm.

According to the prosecutor, the convict subsequently arrived at the site, stripped himself naked and caused panic.

Babalola said the deceased and her granddaughter tried to flee, but the convict chased and overpowered the elderly woman.

He added that the granddaughter ran to Bashiru’s farm for help, but before they returned, the convict had stripped the deceased and killed her by smashing her face with a stone and a stick.

The prosecutor said the deceased was found in a pool of blood, while the convict fled but was later apprehended near the scene and handed over to the police.

Babalola noted that the offences contravened Sections 319, 359 and 360 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State, 2002.

Defence counsel, Oluwaseun Akintola-Philip-Idiok and Victoria Ugochi-Layi-Jacob, pleaded for leniency, but the court rejected the plea. (NAN)