Public servants under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, JNPSNC, have threatened a three-day warning strike from October 2, 2026, if the Federal Government fails to address their demands for a reduction in petrol prices, an immediate wage award and negotiations for a new national minimum wage.
The council said its September 30 deadline remained in force and urged President Bola Tinubu to address the workers’ concerns in his Independence Day broadcast. The proposed industrial action would begin on Friday, October 2, if the demands are not addressed.
Key Highlights
- Public servants have threatened an October 2 warning strike lasting three days.
- The JNPSNC wants petrol reduced to ₦500 per litre.
- Workers are demanding an immediate wage award to cushion rising living costs.
- The council wants a tripartite committee established to negotiate a new national minimum wage ahead of 2027.
- The JNPSNC represents eight public-sector unions, which it says have been mobilised nationwide.
- The council said it is not demanding restoration of the petrol subsidy, but government intervention to reduce the burden of high fuel costs.
JNPSNC Sets October 2 Warning Strike Date
The JNPSNC reaffirmed its position after giving the Federal Government until September 30 to respond to its demands.
The council comprises eight public-sector unions, including the Nigerian Civil Service Union, Medical and Health Workers Union, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria and National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives.
Other unions in 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.
Workers Demand Petrol at ₦500 Per Litre
One of the central demands is a reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, commonly known as petrol, to ₦500 per litre.
The unions argue that high petrol prices have increased transportation and living costs and reduced the purchasing power of workers and their dependants.
The JNPSNC has also called for government intervention to address fuel landing costs and support domestic crude supply to the Dangote Refinery and modular refinery operators as part of measures aimed at increasing local refining and reducing petrol prices.
Public Servants Demand Immediate Wage Award
The council is also demanding an immediate wage award for Nigerian workers.
According to the JNPSNC, the measure would provide temporary relief to workers, their dependants and other vulnerable Nigerians facing increased living costs.
The council has argued that the impact of rising fuel and other living costs has placed additional pressure on workers despite previous wage adjustments.
Unions Seek New Minimum Wage Negotiations
The JNPSNC is further calling for the immediate constitution of a tripartite committee to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage expected to become due in 2027.
The council said starting the process early would help prevent delays in negotiating and implementing a new wage framework.
Nigeria’s current national minimum wage is ₦70,000, according to the latest reports on the union’s demand.
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Strike Threat Follows September 30 Deadline
The public-sector unions had earlier written to President Tinubu on September 21 outlining their demands.
The council subsequently set September 30 as the deadline for the Federal Government to respond, warning that failure to address the issues would lead to the three-day warning strike from October 2.
The unions specifically urged the President to address the issues in his Independence Day broadcast.
NLC Backs Public Sector Unions
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has also expressed support for the position of the public-sector unions, according to reports.
The development raises the possibility of broader labour pressure over petrol prices, wages and the proposed 2027 minimum wage negotiations.
However, the October 2 action remains a warning strike announced by the JNPSNC, subject to developments between the unions and the Federal Government.
Government Response Remains Central
The unions have said their proposed action is intended to press the Federal Government to respond to issues they consider urgent for workers’ welfare.
The government’s response to the demands, including any measures announced around the Independence Day address, will determine whether the proposed three-day warning strike proceeds as announced.
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