Public sector workers under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council have reaffirmed plans for a three-day warning strike from October 2 if the Federal Government fails to address demands over petrol prices, a wage award and negotiations for a new national minimum wage.
The council, which represents eight public service unions, said its September 30 deadline remains in force, warning that failure by the government to respond to its demands could trigger industrial action nationwide.
The unions are seeking a reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, to N500 per litre, alongside an immediate wage award to help public servants cope with rising living costs.
They are also demanding the urgent establishment of a tripartite committee to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage expected to take effect in 2027.
Public servants threaten three-day strike
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 29, the JNPSNC said public servants had been mobilised across the country for the proposed strike if the government did not act before the September 30 deadline.
The council said the issues had been communicated to President Bola Tinubu in a letter dated September 21.
The unions had called for petrol to be reduced to N500 per litre, an immediate wage award and the commencement of negotiations for a minimum wage of at least N500,000 from 2027.
Gbenga Olowoyo, National Secretary of the JNPSNC and General Secretary of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, said the council would proceed with the warning strike if the demands were not addressed.
The proposed industrial action is scheduled to begin on Friday, October 2, and last for three days.
Unions demand petrol price intervention
The council said the government should take urgent measures to reduce the cost of petrol, including an intervention fund to address landing costs and support operators across the oil and gas sector.
It also called for crude oil to be made available to the Dangote Refinery and modular refinery operators on terms that would support increased domestic refining.
According to the unions, greater domestic refining could help reduce the cost of petroleum products and ease pressure on households and businesses.
The council said petrol prices currently ranging from about N1,450 to N2,000 per litre, with higher prices reported in some areas outside major cities, had placed significant financial pressure on workers.
The unions argued that elevated fuel costs had increased the broader cost of living and made it increasingly difficult for workers and their dependants to maintain their livelihoods.
Beyond petrol prices, the JNPSNC is asking the Federal Government to approve a wage award for public servants.
The council said the measure would provide temporary relief from the impact of prevailing economic conditions while supporting workers’ ability to remain productive within the public service.
The demand comes as workers continue to contend with higher transportation, food and other household expenses linked to elevated energy costs.
The unions are also pressing for early preparations for the next national minimum wage negotiation.
The JNPSNC wants the Federal Government to constitute a tripartite committee immediately so that discussions involving government, employers and labour can begin ahead of the 2027 wage review.
The council said starting the process early would reduce the risk of administrative delays between the negotiation of a new wage and its eventual implementation after passage into law by the National Assembly.
October 2 strike deadline
The JNPSNC said its September 30 deadline is final and that failure to address the issues could leave public servants with no option but to embark on the three-day warning strike.
The council also expects the President’s Independence Day address to address the concerns raised by workers.
The unions warned that continued inaction would deepen dissatisfaction among workers and other Nigerians affected by the rising cost of living.
