Public service workers under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council have declared a three-day warning strike over worsening economic conditions, declining purchasing power and concerns about workers’ welfare.
The industrial action is scheduled to begin at midnight on Friday, October 2, 2026, and end on Sunday, October 4.
The council directed its national and state leadership to mobilise workers across the country for the strike. The directive was contained in a circular dated October 1 and signed by the National Secretary of the JNPSNC, Olowoyo Gbenga.
The council said the decision followed what it described as the Federal Government’s failure to respond to demands submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a letter dated September 21, 2026.
The directive called on public servants across the federal, state and local government levels to participate in the warning strike.
According to the council, workers, their dependants and vulnerable Nigerians are facing severe economic difficulties, with the rising cost of living putting increasing pressure on household finances.
The JNPSNC described the economic and mental challenges confronting workers as increasingly difficult and frustrating, urging its leaders to begin immediate mobilisation for the industrial action.
The planned strike follows earlier demands by the council for measures to reduce the impact of rising living costs on workers.
Among the demands are a reduction in the price of petrol, the payment of a wage award to workers and the commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage ahead of 2027.
The council had reportedly called on the Federal Government to reduce the pump price of petrol to N500 per litre, approve an immediate wage award and establish a tripartite committee to begin negotiations on a new national minimum wage.
The workers’ demands come amid continuing concerns over the cost of essential goods, transportation and other household expenses, which have affected the purchasing power of many Nigerian workers.
In its latest circular, the council maintained that the warning strike would proceed as scheduled and instructed its members to ensure that the information reached workers across the country.
The three-day action is intended to draw the Federal Government’s attention to the concerns raised by public sector workers and push for measures addressing wages, living costs and broader welfare issues.
As of the issuance of the circular, the council said public servants in the federal, state and local government services were expected to participate in the warning strike.
The action is scheduled to run from midnight on Friday, October 2, through Sunday, October 4, 2026.
