By Ojutole News Desk
Public sector workers across the federal, state and local government services have commenced a three-day warning strike nationwide over what labour leaders described as worsening economic hardship confronting workers and other Nigerians.
The industrial action is being coordinated under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) and is scheduled to run from Friday, October 2, to Sunday, October 4, 2026. �
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The council directed workers across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as employees in federal, state and local government services, to comply with the strike directive.
According to the JNPSNC, the action followed the Federal Government’s failure to respond to demands contained in a letter sent to President Bola Tinubu on September 21, 2026.
Among the issues raised by the workers are demands for a reduction in petrol prices, a wage award and the commencement of negotiations for a new minimum wage ahead of 2027. Reports indicate that the unions had called for petrol to be reduced to ₦500 per litre and for measures to cushion the impact of rising living costs. �
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The directive was contained in a circular dated October 1 and signed by the JNPSNC National Secretary, Olowoyo Gbenga. The council said the economic difficulties affecting workers and their dependants had become increasingly difficult and urged its affiliate unions to mobilise for the warning strike. �
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The unions had earlier given the Federal Government an opportunity to address their concerns, including during the President’s Independence Anniversary address on October 1. Following what the JNPSNC described as the absence of concrete measures addressing its demands, the council proceeded with the planned industrial action. �
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The development is expected to affect government offices and public services across the country during the three-day period, although the extent of disruption will depend on compliance by workers and individual institutions.
The JNPSNC comprises several public-sector unions, including 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, among others. �
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The warning strike is currently scheduled to end on Sunday, October 4, 2026. �
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