Public Servants Set October 2 Warning Strike Over Fuel Price, Wage Award

Nigerian public servants under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) have reaffirmed plans to commence a three-day warning strike from Friday, October 2, 2026, if the Federal Government fails to respond to their demands over fuel prices, workers’ welfare and preparations for a new national minimum wage.

The council had given the Federal Government until Wednesday, September 30, to take concrete steps on the issues raised in a letter sent to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on September 21. The unions have maintained that the deadline remains unchanged and that failure to act could trigger the planned industrial action.

At the centre of the dispute is the council’s demand for a reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to ₦500 per litre. The JNPSNC said the high cost of petrol has intensified the financial pressure on workers, their dependants and other Nigerians.

The council proposed government intervention to address fuel landing costs and support oil and gas operators as part of measures that could bring down prices. It also called on the Federal Government to ensure that crude oil is supplied to the Dangote Refinery and modular refinery operators on appropriate terms to encourage domestic refining.

The workers also want the immediate approval of a wage award to cushion the impact of prevailing economic pressures. The council argued that additional income support would provide relief for public servants and other vulnerable groups affected by the rising cost of living.

Another major demand is the early establishment of a tripartite committee to commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage expected to become due in 2027. The council said starting the process early would help prevent administrative delays between negotiations, legislative approval and implementation of a new wage structure.

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 members are 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 said petrol prices currently range from about ₦1,450 to ₦2,000 per litre, with prices reaching as high as ₦2,500 in some locations outside major cities and communities. It linked the elevated cost of fuel to broader economic pressures confronting workers and households.

The unions have also drawn attention to President Tinubu’s Independence Day address, indicating that they expect the government to address the issues in the October 1 broadcast. The council warned that failure to take the requested steps by the September 30 deadline would leave its members with no option, in its words, but to proceed with the three-day warning strike beginning October 2.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed support for the public-sector unions’ position. NLC Assistant General Secretary Chris Onyeka said the labour centre backed lawful action over fuel prices, wage awards and minimum-wage negotiations, while warning that unresolved grievances could eventually expand into wider industrial action. At the time of reports reviewed for this story, the Federal Ministry of Labour had not issued a substantive public response, although a ministry source said the matter was being handled by the appropriate authorities.