Public servants across Nigeria are set to commence a three-day warning strike from midnight on Friday, October 2, following a directive by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) over the Federal Government’s failure to address demands on petrol prices, wage support and a new minimum wage.
The industrial action is scheduled to run from October 2 to October 4, 2026, and is expected to involve workers across federal, state and local government services, including ministries, departments and agencies.
The JNPSNC confirmed the strike in a circular dated October 1, 2026, signed by its National Secretary, Olowoyo Gbenga. The council directed leaders of its affiliated unions to mobilise members for the action.
Why Public Servants Are Going on Strike
The warning strike follows an earlier letter sent by the JNPSNC to President Bola Tinubu on September 21, 2026.
Among the major demands presented by the council are a reduction in the pump price of petrol to N500 per litre, the immediate approval of a wage award for workers and the establishment of a tripartite committee to begin negotiations for a new National Minimum Wage ahead of 2027.
The unions say the demands are connected to the economic pressures facing workers and their families.
Strike to Cover Federal, State and Local Government Workers
The JNPSNC 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 affiliated unions 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.
The council has directed workers across the three tiers of government to participate in the warning strike.
Unions Demand Petrol Price Reduction
One of the central demands is the reduction of petrol prices to N500 per litre.
The JNPSNC said the high cost of petrol has contributed to increased transportation expenses and placed additional pressure on workers and households.
The council also called for measures that would support domestic refining and help reduce the cost of petroleum products.
Workers Demand Immediate Wage Award
The public-sector unions are also asking the Federal Government to approve a wage award as an emergency measure to cushion workers from the effects of the current economic situation.
According to the council, the proposed wage award would provide additional financial support while broader wage negotiations are undertaken.
Minimum Wage Negotiations for 2027
Another major demand is the immediate establishment of a tripartite committee to begin negotiations for a new National Minimum Wage expected to become due in 2027.
The council said beginning the process early would help prevent delays in negotiating and implementing a new wage arrangement.
Strike Follows Independence Day Address
The strike announcement came after President Tinubu delivered his Independence Day address on October 1.
In his speech, the President said the government’s priority was to reduce the cost of living by lowering the cost of production and transportation. He also said Nigeria had moved from the period of economic reforms towards what he described as an “age of prosperity.”
The JNPSNC, however, maintained that its specific demands on petrol prices and wage support had not been addressed and consequently directed members to proceed with the planned warning strike.
NLC Also Raises Concerns Over Rising Cost of Living
The development comes amid concerns raised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the impact of petrol prices, inflation and other economic pressures on Nigerian workers.
The NLC has called for measures to reduce transportation costs, provide wage support and begin preparations for a new minimum wage ahead of 2027.
The JNPSNC warning strike is therefore expected to place further attention on ongoing discussions between organised labour and the Federal Government over wages and the cost of living.
When Will the Strike End?
According to the JNPSNC directive, the three-day warning strike is scheduled to begin at midnight on Friday, October 2, 2026, and continue through Sunday, October 4, 2026.
The action is described by the council as a warning strike aimed at pressing the government to respond to its outstanding demands.
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