By Karen James
In a move to address the concerns raised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) regarding the impact of inflation on workers’ salaries, the Federal Government has announced a significant salary increase for civil servants. This increase applies to employees on the remaining six Consolidated Salary Structures, including the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS), and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS).
The salary increase, which ranges between 25% and 35%, is a result of the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of its workforce and ensuring that civil servants are remunerated adequately. The decision was announced by the Head of Press at the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Emmanuel Njoku, in a statement.
It is important to note that those in the Tertiary Education and Health Sectors have already received their salary increases. This includes individuals in universities who benefit from the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS). For Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, the increase applies to the Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS). Additionally, the Health Sector has also witnessed an increase through the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Sector Salary Structure (CONHESS).
The Federal Government’s decision to increase salaries for civil servants and pensioners is set to take effect from January 1, 2024. This development has been welcomed by workers across various sectors who have been advocating for higher wages to keep up with the rising cost of living.
Pensioners on the Defined Benefits Scheme will also benefit from the government’s approval, with pension increases ranging from 20% to 28% for individuals under the aforementioned consolidated salary structures.
The decision to enhance salaries and pensions reflects the government’s commitment to creating a conducive work environment and ensuring the well-being of public sector employees. It is hoped that the salary increase will alleviate the financial burdens faced by civil servants and provide them with a better quality of life.
