Public sector unions under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) have directed federal, state, and local government employees nationwide to begin a three-day warning strike starting midnight today, October 2, 2026.
The industrial action comes in response to the Federal Government’s failure to address critical demands outlined in a letter dated September 21, 2026, which called for urgent economic relief and action against soaring living costs.
The strike directive, signed by JNPSNC National Secretary Olowoyo Gbenga, mandates total compliance across all ministries, departments, and agencies.
Union leaders expressed deep disappointment that President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast failed to address their core demands, particularly a slash in the pump price of petrol to ₦500 per litre from current rates ranging between ₦1,400 and ₦2,000.
In addition to petroleum pricing, the unions are demanding the immediate approval of a worker wage award to cushion prevailing economic hardships and the early constitution of a tripartite committee for the 2027 national minimum wage negotiations.
The JNPSNC emphasized that public servants, their dependents, and vulnerable Nigerians are groaning under unbearable financial and mental stress.
The coalition comprises prominent labour groups including the Nigerian Civil Service Union, the Medical and Health Workers Union, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives.
Union officials noted that the warning strike will run through Sunday, October 4, 2026, warning that further steps may follow if the government continues to ignore their grievances.
Meanwhile, in a separate labor development, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has cautioned against delays and selective implementation of the 2026 FGN/SSANU Agreement.
During the National Executive Council meeting in Uyo, National President Mohammed Ibrahim stated that while dialogue remains a priority, the union will not hesitate to take lawful steps to protect members’ welfare if agreements are deliberately frustrated.
