Public servants under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) have reaffirmed their September 30, 2026, ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning that workers may embark on a three-day nationwide warning strike from Friday, October 2, if their demands are not addressed.
The council, which comprises eight public sector unions, is demanding urgent government intervention over the rising cost of petrol, payment of a wage award and the commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage expected to take effect in 2027.
The JNPSNC had written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on September 21, outlining its demands and proposing a minimum wage of at least N500,000 from 2027.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, National Secretary of the JNPSNC and General Secretary of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, Gbenga Olowoyo, said the September 30 deadline remained unchanged.
According to the council, failure by the Federal Government to address the issues before the deadline would trigger a three-day warning strike beginning October 2.
JNPSNC Demands Petrol Price Reduction to N500
One of the council’s major demands is for the Federal Government to take urgent measures to reduce the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to N500 per litre.
The union proposed the establishment of an intervention fund to address landing costs and support oil and gas operators as part of measures to reduce the cost of petroleum products.
It also urged the government to ensure that crude oil is supplied to the Dangote Refinery and modular refinery operators on appropriate terms to encourage increased domestic refining.
The JNPSNC said petrol prices currently ranging from about N1,450 to N2,000 per litre, and reaching as high as N2,500 in some locations, were placing significant financial pressure on Nigerian workers and their families.
The council argued that the high cost of fuel had contributed to worsening economic hardship and made it increasingly difficult for workers and other Nigerians to maintain decent living standards.
Public Servants Demand Immediate Wage Award
The unions are also calling for the immediate approval of a wage award for Nigerian workers to cushion the impact of current economic conditions.
The JNPSNC said the wage award would provide temporary relief to workers, their dependants and vulnerable Nigerians affected by rising living costs.
The council further argued that addressing the demand could help public servants maintain their commitment and productivity within the public service.
Unions Seek Early Minimum Wage Negotiations
Another major demand is the immediate constitution of a tripartite committee to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage ahead of its expected implementation in 2027.
The JNPSNC said early commencement of negotiations would help prevent administrative or procedural delays that could affect the implementation of a new minimum wage after negotiations are concluded and the relevant legislation is passed by the National Assembly.
The council has proposed a minimum wage of not less than N500,000 from 2027.
October 2 Warning Strike Deadline
The JNPSNC said the Federal Government has until September 30, 2026, to address the three demands.
It further urged President Tinubu to use his Independence Day address to directly address the concerns raised by public servants.
The council warned that failure to meet the demands would leave workers with no option but to commence a three-day warning strike from Friday, October 2, 2026.
The unions said the proposed industrial action was intended to press the Federal Government to respond to issues affecting workers amid continuing economic pressures.
Unions Under JNPSNC
The eight unions affiliated with the JNPSNC include 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.
Others 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.
