Workers Declare Three Day Warning Strike Over Economic Hardship, Minimum Wage

Public service workers under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council have declared a three day warning strike from Friday, October 2, to Sunday, October 4, 2026, citing worsening economic hardship and concerns over workers’ welfare.

The council, in a circular dated October 1 and signed by its National Secretary, Olowoyo Gbenga, directed its national and state leadership to immediately mobilise workers across the country for the industrial action.

The directive covers public servants in the Federal, State and Local Government services.

The council said the decision followed the Federal Government’s failure to address demands earlier presented to President Bola Tinubu in a letter dated September 21.

Among the demands is a reduction in the pump price of petrol to N500 per litre, which the workers say would help ease the pressure created by rising transportation and living costs.

The council also called for an immediate wage award to cushion the impact of the economic situation on workers and their dependants.

The JNPSNC further demanded the urgent establishment of a tripartite committee to commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage expected to become due in 2027.

The council had earlier called for negotiations towards a minimum wage of at least N500,000 from 2027, while stressing the need to begin the process early to avoid delays in implementing any agreement reached.

The workers said the prevailing economic situation had placed considerable pressure on public servants, their families and other vulnerable Nigerians.

The council described the economic and mental hardships facing workers as increasingly difficult, urging its officials and members to commence mobilisation immediately.

The planned action follows an earlier ultimatum issued by the council, which gave the Federal Government until September 30 to respond to its demands.

The council had warned that failure to address the issues would trigger the three day warning strike.

The development is expected to affect government services at the Federal, State and Local Government levels during the period of the industrial action.