The Nigerian government has increased the annual hazard allowance for non-academic staff in federal universities to N486,000, according to Punch Newspapers. The new rate represents a 35 percent increase from the previous amount, as reported by TheCable.
The allowance applies to members of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and takes effect from January 1, 2026, Punch Newspapers reports. Directors in the university system will receive N600,000 annually under the revised package, according to TheCable. Pulse Nigeria adds that the hazard allowance increase amounts to N126,000 per year for NASU members, and the government has also introduced a new uniform benefit of N80,000.
The adjustment follows negotiations between the government and university workers' unions. Legit.ng reports that the development has been welcomed by staff, who had long called for improved hazard pay given the risks they face in their work environments.
Observers will watch whether the new rates help ease tensions between university workers and the federal government, and if similar adjustments will be extended to other categories of public sector employees.
