Public servants under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) have reiterated their September 30, 2026 deadline to the Federal Government, warning that workers across the country will embark on a three-day nationwide warning strike from October 2 if their demands are not met.
The council, which consists of eight public sector unions, is demanding an immediate reduction in the pump price of petrol to N500 per litre, the payment of a wage award to workers, and the urgent establishment of a tripartite committee to commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage expected to take effect in 2027.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the National Secretary of the JNPSNC and General Secretary of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, Gbenga Olowoyo, the council maintained that the September 30 ultimatum remains unchanged, stressing that government action is needed to address the worsening economic challenges facing workers.
According to the unions, the current cost of petrol, which reportedly ranges between N1,450 and N2,000 per litre and rises to about N2,500 in some locations, has become unbearable for public servants and millions of Nigerians. They noted that the soaring fuel prices have significantly increased the cost of transportation, food, and other essential goods, further eroding workers’ purchasing power.
The council called on the Federal Government to introduce an intervention fund to offset fuel landing costs and provide support for operators in the oil and gas sector. It also urged authorities to ensure adequate crude oil supply to the Dangote Refinery and modular refineries under favourable terms to boost local refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
In addition to the fuel price reduction, the unions are seeking the immediate payment of a wage award to cushion the impact of the prevailing economic hardship on workers and their families. They also appealed to the government to begin negotiations on a new national minimum wage well ahead of its proposed 2027 implementation date to avoid delays and industrial disputes.
The JNPSNC warned that failure by the Federal Government to address the demands before the expiration of the September 30 deadline would leave public servants with “no option” but to proceed with the planned three-day warning strike beginning October 2.
The council further expressed hope that President Bola Tinubu would use his Independence Day address to address the concerns raised by workers and provide clear measures aimed at easing the current economic burden on Nigerians.
