Public sector workers under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council have threatened to embark on a three-day warning strike from October 2, 2026, if the Federal Government fails to respond to their demands over rising petrol prices and workers’ welfare.
The council said its September 30 deadline remains in place, with the planned industrial action expected to begin on Friday, October 2, if the government does not address the issues raised by the workers.
The unions are demanding that the price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, be reduced to N500 per litre.
They are also asking the government to approve a wage award for public servants and begin discussions on a new national minimum wage expected to take effect from 2027.
The council, which comprises eight public sector unions, said the high cost of petrol has increased the financial pressure on workers and their families.
It said petrol prices currently range from about N1,450 to N2,000 per litre, while prices in some locations outside major cities have reportedly reached N2,500.
To reduce the cost of petrol, the workers proposed that the Federal Government provide an intervention fund to address the high cost of bringing fuel into the country and support oil and gas operators.
They also called for crude oil to be supplied to the Dangote Refinery and modular refineries on appropriate commercial terms to encourage higher domestic refining and potentially reduce the price of petroleum products.
The council further urged the government to approve a wage award to help workers cope with the impact of rising living costs.
On minimum wage negotiations, the workers called for the immediate establishment of a tripartite committee involving the government, employers and labour.
According to the council, beginning the process early would help prevent delays in negotiating and implementing a new national minimum wage when the current arrangement becomes due in 2027.
The JNPSNC said it had mobilised public servants across the country ahead of the proposed strike.
The council warned that failure by the Federal Government to address its demands by September 30 would trigger the three-day industrial action.
The unions also said they expected President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day address to address the concerns of workers, particularly the cost of petrol and the need for measures to ease economic hardship.
The council comprises the Nigerian Civil Service Union, Medical and Health Workers Union, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, 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.
