🔥 Trending Nigeria FG Increases University Workers' Hazard Allowance to N486,000

The Nigerian Federal Government has approved a significant increase in the hazard allowance for non-academic staff in federal universities, with some categories of eligible workers now entitled to receive up to ₦486,000 annually ²³⁴. This decision, which has generated excitement among university workers, is part of a new remuneration deal that also includes other earned benefits ¹³⁵.

Key Details of the New Hazard Allowance

The upward review of hazard allowances and other earned benefits was communicated via an official circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) ³. The new payment structure takes effect from January 1, 2026 ⁶.

Breakdown of Allowances by Grade Level

The increase in hazard allowance varies depending on the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS) grade level of the staff members ²⁷⁸:

• CONTISS 1-5: For employees in this category, the annual hazard allowance has been increased from ₦180,000 to ₦243,000, representing an increment of ₦63,000 ⁷⁸.
• CONTISS 6-15: Workers in this higher grade level will see their annual allowance rise from ₦360,000 to ₦486,000, an increase of ₦126,000 ⁷. This is the maximum annual hazard package approved ³.

Beneficiaries and Additional Benefits

The new remuneration package primarily benefits non-academic staff in federal universities, specifically members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) ⁴⁶.

Beyond the hazard allowance, the Federal Government has also approved other earned benefits, including:

• Uniform Benefit: A new uniform benefit of ₦80,000 has been introduced for eligible workers ⁵.
• Responsibility Allowances: Responsibility allowances have also been reviewed upwards ⁶.
• Laboratory, Workshop, Studio, Clinical, and Occupational Hazard Allowances: These specific hazard allowances have seen an upward review as well ⁶⁸.

This increase is a result of an agreement reached between the Federal Government and the unions, aiming to boost staff welfare within Nigeria's public tertiary education sector ²⁴.