By Michael Oche
The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council has threatened to commence a three-day warning strike from October 2, 2026, if the Federal Government fails to address its demands on fuel prices, wage award and the commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage.
The council gave the Federal Government until September 30, 2026, to respond to the issues contained in its letter to President Bola Tinubu, warning that the deadline remains sacrosanct.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the National Secretary of the council and General Secretary of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, Comrade Olowoyo Gbenga, the council said the planned industrial action would follow failure by the government to take concrete steps on the three issues.
The public servants demanded that the Federal Government reduce the price of petrol to N500 per litre, arguing that the high cost of fuel had increased the hardship facing workers, their dependants and other Nigerians.
The council proposed an intervention fund to address landing costs and assist oil and gas operators, while also calling on the government to sell crude oil to the Dangote Refinery and modular refinery operators to help bring down the pump price of petrol.
It expressed concern over petrol prices ranging from N1,450 to N2,500 in various parts of the country, describing the situation as unsustainable for workers and the wider population.
The council also demanded the immediate payment of a wage award to public servants to cushion the impact of the prevailing economic conditions.
According to the council, the wage award would help workers cope with the rising cost of living while enabling them to sustain their productivity and commitment to the public service.
The third demand is the immediate constitution of a tripartite committee to commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage ahead of the next review due in 2027.
The council said early constitution of the committee was necessary to avoid delays in negotiating and implementing the new minimum wage once it is approved by the National Assembly.
It warned that failure by the Federal Government to address the demands by September 30 would leave workers with no option but to embark on the three-day warning strike from October 2.
The council also said it expected President Tinubu’s Independence Day address to address the concerns raised by public servants, warning that failure to do so could further anger workers and their dependants.
The council urged the Federal Government to act before the expiration of the deadline to avert the planned industrial action.
