The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) has called on the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to urgently review salaries and allowances for public servants across Nigeria, describing the current conditions as a “life of servitude.”
In a letter dated March 12, 2026, signed by JNPSNC National Chairman Benjamin Anthony and National Secretary Olowoyo Gbenga, the council highlighted the economic pressures facing workers, including high inflation, soaring fuel and food prices, and rising costs of housing, healthcare, and education.
“The National leadership of JNPSNC respectfully but firmly calls attention to the urgent necessity for an upward review of salaries and allowances of all serving Public Servants in the Nigerian Public Service,” the letter read. “Despite their immense contributions, public service workers continue to face severe economic hardship due to the rising cost of living and the declining purchasing power of their earnings.”
The council noted that previous salary adjustments have failed to keep pace with current economic realities, leaving many workers struggling to meet basic financial obligations. They stressed that low morale and declining motivation are affecting productivity within the public service.
JNPSNC proposed a comprehensive review, including:
A minimum salary of N154,000 per month for Grade Level 01 Step 1 officers, representing a 120% increase in salaries and allowances.
Harmonisation across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), with encouragement for sub-national application to ensure equity.
Automatic cost-of-living adjustments aligned with inflation to prevent future salary erosion.
Non-monetary welfare incentives, including subsidised transportation and affordable housing for civil servants.
The council emphasised that addressing workers’ welfare is both an economic and social necessity to sustain the workforce, maintain industrial harmony, and improve public service efficiency. They also reiterated their commitment to constructive dialogue with the government.
In the same letter, JNPSNC commended President Bola Tinubu for approving 100% gratuity payments to retiring federal public servants, calling the move a significant step in ensuring retirees avoid post-service impoverishment.
“The approval is a bold step toward ensuring that retiring public servants escape the life of servitude and serfdom often experienced after leaving service,” the council said, urging timely action on the broader salary and allowance review to prevent potential unrest.
