Public Servants Threaten Three-Day Warning Strike From October 2 Over Petrol Prices

Nigerian public servants have threatened to begin a three-day warning strike on October 2 if the Federal Government fails to address their demands over petrol prices, wage relief and negotiations for a new national minimum wage.

The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) said its September 30 deadline to the government remains in force, with public servants mobilised for the proposed industrial action.

The council is demanding that the pump price of petrol be reduced to N500 per litre, alongside an immediate wage award to cushion the impact of rising living costs.

It is also calling for the urgent establishment of a tripartite committee to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage ahead of 2027.

According to the council, petrol is currently selling between N1,450 and N2,000 per litre in many locations, while prices in some areas have reportedly reached N2,500 per litre.

The unions argue that the high cost of fuel has increased pressure on workers and their dependants, making it increasingly difficult for public servants to cope with the rising cost of living.

The JNPSNC has also proposed government intervention to address petrol landing costs and support oil and gas operators, alongside measures to encourage greater domestic refining.

The council said the new minimum wage negotiations should begin early to avoid delays when the current wage arrangement becomes due for review in 2027.

The warning strike would affect public servants nationwide if the government fails to address the demands by the September 30 deadline.

The Nigeria Labour Congress has also backed the public sector unions’ demands, including the call for a reduction in petrol prices and a new minimum wage negotiation process.

With the deadline now approaching, attention is on whether the Federal Government and the unions can reach an agreement before the proposed October 2 warning strike.