Public sector workers across Nigeria are set to commence a three-day warning strike following a directive by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) over unresolved demands for measures to ease the economic hardship facing workers and other Nigerians.
The industrial action is scheduled to run from midnight on Friday, October 2, to Sunday, October 4, 2026, with the council directing federal, state and local government employees to participate.
The JNPSNC, which represents several public service unions, said the strike became necessary after the Federal Government failed to respond to demands submitted to President Bola Tinubu on September 21.
Among the key demands are a reduction in the pump price of petrol to N500 per litre, the introduction of a wage award to support workers amid rising living costs and the commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage expected to take effect in 2027.
The council said it was disappointed that President Tinubu did not address the specific demands in his Independence Day broadcast on Thursday.
Workers demand lower petrol price, wage support
In a circular issued by the council’s National Secretary (Trade Union side), Olowoyo Gbenga, union leaders were directed to mobilise their members for the warning strike.
The council said the action would involve public servants across the federal, state and local government levels, arguing that workers and their dependants have been severely affected by the rising cost of living.
The JNPSNC said the current petrol price, which varies widely across the country, has increased the financial pressure on workers and vulnerable households.
The council proposed government intervention to reduce the cost of fuel, including measures aimed at addressing landing costs and supporting domestic refining.
It also called for crude oil to be made available to the Dangote Refinery and modular refineries on appropriate terms to increase domestic production of petroleum products.
JNPSNC seeks wage award and 2027 minimum wage talks
The public service council is also asking the Federal Government to approve an immediate wage award to cushion the impact of prevailing economic conditions.
It further wants the government to establish a tripartite committee to begin discussions on a new national minimum wage ahead of 2027.
The council said beginning negotiations early would help prevent administrative delays and allow sufficient time for the new wage structure to be negotiated and implemented after legislative approval.
The JNPSNC had earlier set September 30 as the deadline for the government to respond to its demands, warning that failure to do so would trigger the planned industrial action.
SSANU raises concerns over 2026 agreement
Meanwhile, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has raised concerns over the implementation of its 2026 agreement with the Federal Government.
Speaking at the union’s 56th National Executive Council meeting at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim said implementation of the 2026 FGN/SSANU Agreement had started in some universities but remained incomplete in others due to funding and administrative challenges.
Ibrahim called for the agreement and resolutions reached by the union’s National Executive Council to produce tangible benefits for members.
He directed branches and zones to monitor implementation, maintain accurate membership records and document cases involving alleged non-compliance or victimisation.
While reaffirming SSANU’s preference for dialogue and engagement with government, Ibrahim said the union would consider lawful measures to protect its members if implementation was deliberately delayed or NEC decisions were disregarded.
He also noted that the 2026 agreement became effective from January 1, 2026, although it was formally signed on June 29, 2026, stressing that financial obligations arising from the effective date remain outstanding.
