Some civil servants in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration over the payment of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance and the April salary.

Some of them who spoke with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, described the payment as timely.

Agnes Iguben, a civil servant, said she was surprised to see an increase when she received her salary for April.

”I want to commend President Muhammadu Buhari; though I do not know what the increase is about the government did well for us.

”Some people said it is a 40 per cent increase to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy that will be removed in June.

”Whatever it is, I pray it will continue so that my family can live an improved life,” she said.

Abubakar Idowu, another civil servant, said the development was commendable and well appreciated.

Mr Idowu said that although he was yet to receive the credit alert of his salary, he was convinced the news story was true.

”God bless PMB. I know even his enemies will pray for him secretly for this; Everywhere is stew, everywhere correct. PMB is a goal.

”This is meant to help government workers to cushion the effects of rising inflation, the rising cost of living, hikes in transportation fare, housing, electricity and the likely removal of fuel subsidy,” he said.

Another civil servant, Ngozi Ebe, advised fellow workers to spend wisely as the money was meant to cushion the effect of the proposed subsidy removal.

”In case you received arrears of payments, please do not spend it all in case fuel subsidy is removed from the month of June,” she said.

Another civil servant who preferred anonymity appealed to the president-elect to continue with the payment to gain popularity from workers.

”Most times, outgoing governments will make a law, and the new government can change it. I pray this will not be the case in this increment,” the worker said.

In March, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, disclosed that the federal government had approved a pay rise for civil servants in the country.

Mr Ngige described the pay rise as a peculiar allowance for civil servants in view of the current economic reality.

(NAN)