The Federal Government has officially approved the long-awaited 40 per cent peculiar allowance for federal civil servants following intense pressure and threats of industrial action by the organised labour.

The approval, report says, came after a marathon meeting on Tuesday personally presided over by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson-Jack, at the Conference Hall of her office in Abuja.

At the meeting, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, NSIWC, it was learned, formally released the circular for the implementation of the allowance, bringing to an end nearly two years of agitation by workers over the delayed adjustment linked to the new N70,000 minimum wage structure.

Speaking during the meeting, Mrs Walson-Jack stressed the importance of strengthening communication and trust between government management teams and labour unions to avoid unnecessary industrial disputes.

She noted that while labour unions have the constitutional right to make demands, government agencies must also create room for dialogue and constructive engagement in order to sustain industrial harmony.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the leadership of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, JNPSNC, (Trade Union side) led by its National Chairman, Benjamin Uyanto, and the Executive Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Mr Eyo Nta, to present their positions before the Head of Service intervened to broker an agreement acceptable to all parties.

Both Uyanto and Nta commended the Head of Service for her timely intervention, describing it as crucial in resolving the lingering dispute.

Following the deliberations, an implementable circular table for the 40 per cent peculiar allowance was officially presented to the leadership of the JNPSNC.

Confirming the development in an interview, the National Secretary of the JNPSNC (Trade Union side), Olowoyo Gbenga, described the outcome as a major victory for Nigerian workers and a positive step toward improving workers’ welfare amid the current economic hardship.

According to him, implementation of the allowance will take effect from May 1, 2026, after workers had waited since July 2024 for the adjustment to reflect the new minimum wage template.

He further urged state governments to adopt the circular to enable workers at the state and local government levels benefit from the relief package.

Olowoyo lamented the worsening economic realities facing workers and their dependents, stating that many families were struggling under severe financial pressure.

He also revealed that the JNPSNC had earlier fixed May 21 for a nationwide industrial showdown over the matter, accusing the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission of initially resisting responsibility.

However, he said the intervention of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation eventually saved the situation and restored confidence among workers.

“With this development, workers may likely sheath their swords and allow industrial peace to reign in the workplace,” he said.

The Lagos State government is set to roll out its own driver’s licence in collaboration with the Federal Government.

The move is aimed at boosting road safety, strengthening traffic regulation and making it faster for motorists in the state to get their licences.

Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi announced this on Monday at the 2026 annual ministerial press briefing in Alausa.

The event marked the 7th anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.

The commissioner also said to decongest some roads in the state, increase parking management efficiency and increase business turn around time, the Lagos State Parking Authority, LASPA has zoned the ‘Regulated On-street Parking scheme’ into 5 major Locations; Ikeja, Ikoyi, Lekki, Victoria Island and Surulere.

This will help streamline parking operations across high-traffic areas, reduce indiscriminate parking and improve traffic flow for commuters and businesses.

The structured zoning is also expected to make it easier for motorists to locate available spaces, enhance revenue collection and ensure better monitoring and enforcement of parking regulations in the state.

Yoweri Museveni has been sworn in for his seventh term as President of Uganda on May 12, 2026, at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, following his victory in the January 2026 elections.

Recall Museveni won with 71.65 percent of the vote, defeating his main challenger, 43-year-old Bobi Wine, who received 24.72 percent of the vote, according to the official results.

The 81-year-old leader took his oath for another five-year term, continuing his tenure as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.

Museveni, born 1944 in Mbarra district area of Uganda has served as president since 1986.

He started his education in 1953 at Kyamate Boys School, then joined Mbarara High School in 1959.

After his family’s migration from Ntungamo in 1960s, then within the British Protectorate of Uganda, he was admitted to Ntare School in 1961.
He studied political science from the University of Dar es Salaam where he initiated the University Students’ African Revolutionary Front.