FG raises varsity workers’ hazard allowance to N486,000
July 27, 2026 2:20 am
Acting Secretary of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Adighiogu Chiadi
The Federal Government has approved an upward review of hazard allowances and other earned benefits for members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions in federal universities.
Under the new remuneration package, laboratory hazard allowance for senior employees will increase by as much as N126,000 annually.
The package takes effect retrospectively from January 1, 2026.
The approval was conveyed in a circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission dated July 20, 2026, following the agreement reached between the Federal Government and NASU on June 29, 2026, which was exclusively obtained by our correspondent in Abuja.
The circular, signed by the Acting Secretary of the commission, Adighiogu A. Chiadi, was addressed to the Chief of Staff to the President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of government agencies and other senior public officials.
It stated that the Federal Government had approved the payment of the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance and reviewed Earned Allowances for eligible non-teaching staff in federal universities.
The circular read, “Following the agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions dated 29th June 2026, the Federal Government has approved the payment of the following allowances to non-teaching staff members of NASU in Federal Universities.”
It added that, “The reviewed remuneration package takes effect from 1st January 2026.”
Among the most significant adjustments is the review of the laboratory, workshop, studio, clinical and occupational hazard allowance.
For employees on CONTISS 1-5, the annual hazard allowance was increased from N180,000 under the 2009 agreement to N243,000, representing an increase of N63,000.
NASU had demanded N360,000 annually.
For workers on CONTISS 6-15, the allowance rose from N360,000 annually to N486,000 annually, an increase of N126,000, although lower than the union’s demand of N720,000 annually.
The circular also retained call duty, shift duty and clinical hazard allowances in accordance with existing National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission circulars.
For high-risk allowance, the commission stated that payments would continue to be implemented through the Employee Compensation framework in line with the Employees’ Compensation Act 2010 and the NSIWC Circular Ref. No. CM/15/IV/13 dated September 22, 2023, instead of a fixed annual payment.
NASU had requested N300,000 annually for all affected staff.
The government also approved higher responsibility allowances for senior non-teaching officials.
For registrars and bursars, the annual allowance increased from N750,000 (N62,500 monthly) to N840,000 (N70,000 monthly), while NASU had sought N1.5 million annually (N125,000 monthly).
Directors, who previously had no responsibility allowance, will now receive N600,000 annually (N50,000 monthly), matching the union’s demand.
For deputy registrars, deputy bursars and deputy directors, a new allowance of N480,000 annually (N40,000 monthly) was approved against NASU’s demand of N600,000 annually (N50,000 monthly).
For heads of departments and units, the allowance increased from N300,000 annually (N25,000 monthly) to N360,000 annually (N30,000 monthly). The union had requested N600,000 annually (N50,000 monthly).
Similarly, heads of sections, who previously had no approved responsibility allowance, will now receive N150,000 annually (N12,500 monthly) compared to NASU’s demand of N900,000 annually (N75,000 monthly).
The circular also reviewed allowances for field trips, teaching practice and industrial supervision.
For staff on CONTISS 1-5, the allowance increased from N60,000 to N81,000 annually, while NASU had proposed N120,000.
For CONTISS 6-12, it rose from N80,000 to N108,000 annually, against the union’s demand of N160,000.
For CONTISS 13-15, the allowance increased from N100,000 to N135,000 annually, compared to NASU’s request of N200,000.
Student work experience allowance increased
The Students Work Experience Programme allowance was also revised upward.
For CONTISS 1-5, the allowance increased from N60,000 to N81,000 annually, while NASU had demanded N120,000.
For CONTISS 6-12, the rate increased from N80,000 to N108,000 annually, against the requested N160,000.
For CONTISS 13-15, the previous rate of N60,000-N100,000 annually was harmonised to N135,000 annually, while the union had sought N200,000 annually.
Uniform allowance introduced
The government also approved annual uniform and protective wear allowances for laboratory, workshop and studio personnel.
Workers on CONTISS 1-5, CONTISS 6-12 and CONTISS 13-15, who previously had no such allowance, will each receive N80,000 annually.
NASU had requested N240,000, N300,000 and N360,000 annually respectively for the three salary categories.
Other provisions
The circular stated that Provision Tools Allowance has been absorbed into the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance.
It added that Project Supervision Allowance would not apply because project supervision is already considered part of relevant non-teaching staff responsibilities.
Similarly, Laboratory Students/Laboratory Staff Ratio Supplementation will be covered under Excess Workload arrangements.
The commission also directed that Excess Workload Allowance should be phased out without delay.
Under the existing arrangement, officers on CONTISS 09-15 receive N3,500 per hour, subject to a maximum of 52 hours annually.
NASU had proposed an increase to N10,000 per hour, but the government retained the previous rate pending its eventual phase-out.
The latest review implements the agreement reached between the Federal Government and NASU after months of negotiations over the welfare of non-teaching workers in federal universities. The union had argued that most of the earned allowances being paid were based on the 2009 agreement and had become grossly inadequate due to inflation, the depreciation of the naira and the rising cost of living.
The approval also comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to maintain industrial harmony in public universities following the implementation of the new national minimum wage and ongoing engagements with university-based unions over salaries, allowances and conditions of service. In recent years, NASU and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities have repeatedly embarked on industrial actions to press for improved remuneration, payment of earned allowances and the implementation of agreements reached with the government, arguing that non-teaching staff remain critical to the effective administration and functioning of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Deborah Tolu-Kolawole is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with four years of experience covering Nigeria’s vast education sector as well as related areas such as politics, health, security, and labour. She blends rigorous reporting with digital storytelling to bring clarity and insight to complex issues affecting learners, educators, and policymakers. Deborah was a nominee for The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) Prize in Journalism, recognising her impactful reporting and contributions to Nigerian media. Her work reflects strong newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to accurate, audience-focused journalism. In addition to her reporting, she is fluent in multiple languages and serves as a contributing member of The Punch editorial board.
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