Public servants under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) have reaffirmed their September 30, 2026, ultimatum to the Federal Government over the rising cost of petrol, a wage award and negotiations for a new national minimum wage.
The council, which comprises eight public sector unions, said it would mobilise workers for a three-day warning strike from October 2 if the government failed to address its demands by the deadline.
Among the council’s key demands are a reduction of petrol prices to N500 per litre, the immediate approval of a wage award and the establishment of a tripartite committee to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage expected to take effect in 2027.
The JNPSNC comprises the Nigerian Civil Service Union, Medical and Health Workers Union, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, 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.
The council had written to President Bola Tinubu on September 21, demanding urgent measures to address the economic pressures facing workers and their families. It subsequently reiterated the September 30 deadline in a statement issued by its National Secretary and General Secretary of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, Olowoyo Gbenga.
On petrol prices, the council called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to bring the pump price down to N500 per litre.
It proposed an intervention fund to address landing costs and support oil and gas operators, while also urging the government to make crude oil available to the Dangote Refinery and modular refinery operators on appropriate terms to encourage domestic refining.
The council said petrol was currently selling between N1,450 and N2,000 per litre and could reach N2,500 in some locations outside major communities and cities. It described the situation as placing severe pressure on workers and the wider population.
The workers also demanded an immediate wage award to cushion the effects of prevailing economic conditions.
According to the council, the measure would provide relief to workers, their dependants and vulnerable Nigerians while helping public servants maintain their commitment and productivity.
The JNPSNC also called for the immediate establishment of a tripartite committee to commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage expected to become due in 2027.
The council said early constitution of the committee was necessary to prevent administrative or procedural delays that could affect the implementation of a new wage structure after negotiations and legislative processes are completed.
The workers had previously demanded the commencement of negotiations for a minimum wage of not less than N500,000 from 2027.
The council warned that failure by the Federal Government to address the issues by September 30 would leave workers with “no option” but to commence a three-day warning strike from Friday, October 2.
It also urged President Tinubu to address the issues in his Independence Day address on October 1.
The JNPSNC said its position was driven by concerns over the impact of rising living costs on workers and their families and warned that failure to respond to the demands could further heighten tensions between the government and public sector workers.
