Workers Threaten Nationwide Strike October 2 Over Fuel Price, Wage Award

Public servants under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) have reaffirmed their September 30 deadline to the Federal Government, warning that they will embark on a three-day nationwide warning strike from October 2, 2026, if their demands are not addressed.

The council, which comprises eight public-sector unions, is demanding a reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to N500 per litre, an immediate wage award for workers and the commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage ahead of 2027.

The JNPSNC had written to President Bola Tinubu on September 21, outlining its demands and giving the Federal Government until September 30 to take action.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the council’s National Secretary and General Secretary of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, Gbenga Olowoyo, the workers said the September 30 deadline remained unchanged.

The council also urged the Federal Government to take steps to reduce the cost of petrol by addressing landing costs and supporting domestic refining. It further called for crude oil to be made available to the Dangote Refinery and modular refinery operators on appropriate terms to boost local refining.

According to the council, petrol currently sells for between N1,450 and N2,000 per litre, while prices in some locations outside major cities can reach N2,500 per litre.

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The workers said the high cost of fuel had increased economic pressure on public servants, their dependants and the wider population.

The JNPSNC also called for an immediate wage award to cushion workers against the rising cost of living.

The council said the measure would help public servants cope with the economic situation while sustaining their productivity and commitment to public service.

The workers further demanded the immediate constitution of a tripartite committee to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage expected to become due in 2027.

They said early commencement of negotiations would help prevent administrative delays that could affect the eventual implementation of the new wage structure.

The council had earlier demanded a minimum wage of not less than N500,000 from 2027.

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The JNPSNC said failure by the Federal Government to address the issues by September 30 would trigger a three-day warning strike beginning Friday, October 2.

The council also called on President Tinubu to address the issues in his Independence Day broadcast on October 1.

Punch reports that the unions said public servants across the country had been mobilised for the proposed industrial action if the government fails to respond to their demands.