Public servants under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) have reaffirmed their September 30, 2026 deadline to the Federal Government over the rising cost of petrol, demand for a wage award and the commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage.
The council, which comprises eight public sector unions, said workers would embark on a three-day warning strike from October 2 if the Federal Government failed to address their demands.
The unions are demanding that the pump price of petrol be reduced to N500 per litre, an immediate wage award for public servants and the constitution of a committee to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage expected to take effect in 2027.
Members of the JNPSNC include the Nigerian Civil Service Union, Medical and Health Workers Union, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria and National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives.
Others are the 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 earlier written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on September 21, demanding urgent measures to address the rising cost of living and its impact on workers.
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 said the September 30 deadline remained sacrosanct.
Olowoyo said the council had mobilised public servants across the country for the proposed warning strike if the government failed to respond to its demands.
“The three critical issues requiring urgent attention are as follows: reduction of fuel price to N500 per litre. The Federal Government should take urgent steps to bring down the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to N500 per litre,” he said.
The council proposed the establishment of an intervention fund to address petrol landing costs and support oil and gas operators.
It also called on the Federal Government to ensure the sale of crude oil to Dangote Refinery and modular refinery operators at appropriate terms to increase domestic refining capacity and reduce the cost of petroleum products.
“The current price of PMS, ranging from N1,450 to N2,000 and, in some locations outside major communities and cities, as high as N2,500 per litre, is unacceptable to Nigerian workers,” the council said.
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The unions also demanded an immediate wage award to cushion the impact of rising living costs on workers and their dependants.
“The council maintains that the economic hardship occasioned by the high cost of fuel is placing the survival of Nigerian workers, their dependants and the general populace under severe pressure, making it increasingly difficult for Nigerians to live normal and dignified lives,” the statement said.
On the minimum wage, the council asked the Federal Government to urgently constitute a tripartite committee to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage.
According to the unions, early commencement of the process would help prevent administrative or procedural delays that could affect the implementation of a new wage once negotiations are concluded and the necessary legislation is passed.
The council warned that failure to address its demands by September 30 would leave workers with no option but to commence the three-day warning strike from Friday, October 2.
“It is imperative to state clearly that the Independence Day address of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should adequately address these critical issues,” the statement said.
