Public servants under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, JNPSNC, have issued a three-day warning strike notice beginning October 2, 2026, if the Federal Government fails to address their demands over rising fuel prices and workers’ welfare.
The public servants strike threat follows the council’s reaffirmation of its September 30 ultimatum to the Federal Government.
The JNPSNC, which comprises eight public sector unions, is demanding that the price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, be reduced to N500 per litre. It is also calling for an immediate wage award and the commencement of negotiations for a new National Minimum Wage expected to take effect in 2027.
The unions said they had mobilised workers nationwide for the proposed three-day warning strike if the government fails to respond to the issues before the September 30 deadline.
The council had written to President Bola Tinubu on September 21, outlining its demands and urging the government to take immediate steps to address the economic pressure facing workers.
In a statement issued by JNPSNC National Secretary and General Secretary of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, Olowoyo Gbenga, the council said its September 30 deadline remained firm.
The council said the Federal Government should take urgent measures to reduce PMS prices to N500 per litre.
It proposed an intervention fund to address landing costs and support oil and gas operators as one possible measure.
The unions also called on the government to ensure crude oil is sold to the Dangote Refinery and modular refinery operators on appropriate terms to encourage domestic refining and help reduce petroleum prices.
The council said current petrol prices, which it put at between N1,450 and N2,000 per litre, and as high as N2,500 in some areas outside major cities, were placing severe pressure on workers and their dependants.
It said the cost of fuel was making it increasingly difficult for Nigerians to maintain normal and dignified living conditions.
Beyond petrol prices, the JNPSNC is demanding an immediate wage award to cushion the impact of prevailing economic conditions on workers, their families and vulnerable Nigerians.
The council said the measure would help workers maintain their commitment and productivity within the public service.
It is also asking the Federal Government to immediately establish a tripartite committee to begin negotiations for a new National Minimum Wage ahead of its expected review in 2027.
According to the unions, starting the process early would prevent administrative or procedural delays that could affect implementation once a new wage is negotiated and passed into law by the National Assembly.
The council warned that failure to address its demands by September 30 would trigger the public servants strike from Friday, October 2.
It also said President Tinubu’s Independence Day address should adequately address the concerns raised by Nigerian workers.
The unions warned that failure to respond to the demands would further deepen dissatisfaction among workers and their dependants, as well as other Nigerians affected by the current economic hardship.
