Nigerian workers under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), Trade Union Side, have issued a fresh warning to the Federal Government, threatening a three-day nationwide strike from October 2, 2026, if their demands over petrol prices, wage relief and a new minimum wage are not addressed.
The council said its September 30 ultimatum to the Federal Government remained sacrosanct, warning that failure to respond satisfactorily to the workers’ demands could trigger industrial action across the country.
The position was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the council’s National Secretary and General Secretary of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, Olowoyo Gbenga.
The warning comes amid concerns over rising petrol prices and their impact on workers, their dependants and other Nigerians struggling with the increasing cost of living.
According to the council, petrol is currently being sold for about N1,450 per litre in some locations, while prices in areas outside major cities and communities have reportedly risen to between N2,000 and N2,500 per litre.
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The JNPSNC described the situation as unacceptable and called on the Federal Government to urgently reduce the price of petrol to N500 per litre.
The council argued that reducing the price would help restore workers’ purchasing power and ease the pressure created by rising transportation, food and other living costs.
As part of its proposed measures, the workers called for the establishment of an intervention fund to address the landing costs faced by oil and gas operators.
They also urged the government to ensure that crude oil is made available to the Dangote Refinery and modular refinery operators on appropriate terms to support lower domestic petrol prices.
Workers demand wage award
Beyond petrol pricing, the council demanded an immediate wage award for Nigerian workers to cushion the impact of the current economic hardship.
It also called for the establishment of a tripartite committee to commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage expected to take effect in 2027.
The council said beginning negotiations early was necessary to prevent delays between the expiration or review of the existing wage regime, legislative consideration and implementation of a new minimum wage.
Reiterating its September 30 deadline, the council said workers would not hesitate to embark on a three-day warning strike if the Federal Government failed to take action.
It said the proposed industrial action would commence on October 2, 2026.
The statement read in part: “The ultimatum (September 30th, 2026) served the federal government to address issues raised in the letter remains sacrosanct.
“Failure on the part of the federal government to do the needful on or before September 30th 2026, the Nigerian workers will not hesitate to go on 3 day warning strike to press home their demands with effect from Friday 2nd October, 2026.”
Independence Day address
The council also said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s forthcoming Independence Day address would be closely watched, insisting that the concerns of Nigerian workers should receive prominent attention.
It warned that failure to address the issues raised could heighten dissatisfaction among workers, their dependants and other Nigerians affected by the rising cost of living.
On petrol prices, the council said: “The current price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) being sold at N1450, N2000 and N2500 in many places outside major communities and cities are unacceptable because the survival of Nigerian workers, their dependants and general populace are now hanging on the balance of survival.”
The workers urged the Federal Government to act before the September 30 deadline, stressing that the proposed strike was intended to press for action on the issues affecting workers’ welfare and purchasing power.
