Public sector workers across Nigeria have announced plans for a three-day warning strike beginning Friday, October 2, if the Federal Government fails to respond to their demands over the rising cost of petrol, a wage award and preparations for a new national minimum wage.
The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), which represents eight public sector unions, maintained that its September 30 deadline remains in force.
The council said workers nationwide have been mobilised for the industrial action and would proceed with the strike if the government does not take concrete steps to address the issues raised.
Workers Demand N500 Petrol Price
A major point of contention is the current cost of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol.
The JNPSNC is asking the Federal Government to reduce the pump price to ₦500 per litre, arguing that high fuel costs have increased the financial pressure on workers and their families.
The council has proposed government intervention in areas affecting the cost of petroleum products, including measures aimed at reducing landing costs.
It has also called for crude oil to be supplied to the Dangote Refinery and modular refineries on terms that would support increased domestic refining and potentially ease pressure on petrol prices.
Recent reports indicate that petrol prices in different parts of Nigeria have risen substantially, with some locations recording prices considerably above ₦1,000 per litre.
For the unions, the increase has added to the wider cost-of-living difficulties facing public servants.
Immediate Wage Award Sought
The workers are also demanding an immediate wage award to provide financial relief amid the current economic conditions.
According to the JNPSNC, the payment would help workers cope with increased household expenses and the higher cost of essential goods and services.
The council has argued that government action on the wage award would provide some relief to workers and vulnerable Nigerians affected by the prevailing economic pressures.
The demand comes after the council wrote to President Bola Tinubu on September 21 outlining its concerns and requesting government intervention.
The unions said they had expected a response before the September 30 deadline but maintained that sufficient action had not been taken to resolve the issues.
Minimum Wage Talks Also Requested
Beyond the immediate fuel and wage concerns, the workers want the Federal Government to begin preparations for negotiations on a new national minimum wage.
The JNPSNC is calling for the establishment of a tripartite committee comprising government, employers and labour representatives to begin the process ahead of the next minimum wage negotiations expected in 2027.
The council has previously proposed a minimum wage of at least ₦500,000 from 2027 as part of its broader demands for improved earnings and better protection against rising living costs.
The unions say beginning the process early would help prevent administrative delays once negotiations are completed and any new wage legislation is approved.
October 2 Strike Deadline
The JNPSNC said failure by the government to address its demands by the end of September 30 would trigger the three-day warning strike.
The action is scheduled to begin on Friday, October 2, 2026, according to the council’s latest position.
National Secretary of the JNPSNC and General Secretary of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, Gbenga Olowoyo, said the September 30 deadline had not been withdrawn.
The council also expected the issues to receive attention in President Tinubu’s Independence Day address.
Eight Unions Involved
The JNPSNC brings together eight public sector unions representing workers in various parts of the civil service.
Among them are the Nigerian Civil Service Union, Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria and National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives.
Other unions within the council include the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Employees; Nigeria Union of Public Service, Reportorial, Secretarial, Data Processors and Allied Workers; National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Products Workers; and National Union of Agriculture and Allied Employees.
Government Response Under Watch
The proposed strike places renewed pressure on the Federal Government to engage with the unions before Friday.
The Budget Office of the Federation has acknowledged receiving the workers’ demands, including the request for a wage award, an upward review of salaries and allowances, and the formation of a committee for the 2027 minimum wage process. The office said it was awaiting further directives from higher authorities.
For now, the unions have maintained their position that the September 30 deadline remains firm.
If no agreement is reached, the planned three-day action could affect public services across the country from October 2, adding another layer of pressure to ongoing efforts to address the impact of high fuel costs and the broader cost-of-living crisis.
The coming hours will therefore be crucial as government officials and labour representatives consider whether the dispute can be resolved before workers begin the proposed nationwide warning strike.
