Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Organised Labour, through the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), has issued a fresh and firm warning to the Federal Government, threatening a major confrontation over the continued failure to implement an approved occupational hazard allowance for agricultural professionals in the public service. The dispute, which has festered for nearly two years since the approval was granted in November 2024, has now escalated to the brink of industrial action.
The JNPSNC, in a strongly worded letter to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, expressed deep dissatisfaction with what it termed an "unnecessary delay" in issuing the circular required to give effect to the payment. The council recalled that the approval for the extension of hazard allowance to agricultural professionals was granted at the 46th meeting of the National Council on Establishment (NCE) held in Ede, Osun State, from November 4 to 8, 2024. Despite this high-level approval, the payment remains unfulfilled.
According to the letter signed by the National Secretary of JNPSNC, Olowoyo Gbenga, the council had previously written to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on June 4, 2026, demanding implementation. A second reminder was sent on July 21, 2026, but no appropriate response or action has followed, prompting the latest ultimatum. "The National leadership of JNPSNC is not happy with the manner this matter is being handled by the office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and it is very unfortunate," the council declared.
The union is now demanding that the Federal Government move beyond the mere approval stage and commence the actual implementation of the hazard allowance for the affected agricultural professionals. The council warned that continued failure to act could trigger an industrial dispute that may lead to picketing the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. This threat of a showdown comes as part of a broader pattern of labour unrest, with the Federal Government facing similar ultimatums over unpaid benefits, including the 40 per cent peculiar allowance for civil servants.
The JNPSNC argued that implementing the allowance would motivate the affected workers and encourage greater productivity, efficiency, and commitment to public service. The latest development raises serious concerns over the government's commitment to implementing decisions reached by the National Council on Establishment, particularly those affecting the welfare and remuneration of public servants. As the deadline looms, the Federal Government's response to this ultimatum will be critical in determining whether the nation faces another disruptive industrial action.
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