By Asaye Bankole
Public sector workers across Nigeria have begun a three-day warning strike to protest worsening economic hardship and the Federal Government’s failure to respond to their demands.
The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) directed workers in federal, state and local government establishments to participate in the strike from Friday, October 2, to Sunday, October 4, 2026.
The unions are demanding a reduction in the price of petrol to N500 per litre, an immediate wage award to cushion the impact of rising living costs, and the early commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage ahead of 2027.
The JNPSNC said the government failed to address the demands before the September 30 deadline, prompting the unions to proceed with the industrial action.
The council said rising transportation costs, inflation and the high cost of essential goods had placed severe pressure on workers, their families and other vulnerable Nigerians.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has also backed calls for measures to reduce petrol prices and improve workers’ purchasing power.
The strike is expected to affect ministries, departments and agencies at the federal, state and local government levels nationwide.
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