Public servants across Nigeria have commenced a three-day nationwide warning strike following a directive by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) over unresolved demands relating to petrol prices, wage awards and the proposed 2027 minimum wage negotiations.

The industrial action began on Friday, October 2, 2026, and is scheduled to run until Sunday, October 4, according to a statement signed by JNPSNC National Secretary, Comrade Olowoyo Gbenga, on Thursday, October 1.

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The directive affects workers in the federal, state and local government services, including employees of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The council also instructed its eight affiliated unions and their officials to mobilise members for the warning strike.

Why Workers Declared the Strike

The JNPSNC had earlier demanded government action on three major issues: a reduction in petrol prices, payment of a wage award and the commencement of negotiations for the 2027 national minimum wage.

The council had called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the demands in his Independence Day broadcast or face industrial action.

However, according to Olowoyo, the President’s October 1 address did not address the specific demands presented by the workers’ negotiating council.

Following the expiration of the deadline, the JNPSNC confirmed that the warning strike would proceed.

Workers’ Key Demands

The council is demanding measures to reduce the pressure of petrol prices on workers and the wider economy.

It is also seeking the payment of a wage award to public servants, as well as the commencement of negotiations towards a new 2027 minimum wage.

The union has previously proposed that the next minimum wage should be at least ₦500,000, while calling for a tripartite process involving government, labour and employers.

Eight Unions Involved

The JNPSNC comprises eight affiliated unions representing various categories of public-sector workers.

They include:

• Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU)
• Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN)
• Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN)
• National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM)
• Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE)
• National Union of Pensioners, State and Allied Retirees Workers (NUPSRAW)
• National Union of Public Pensioners and Professional Retirees Organisations of Workers (NUPPPPROW)
• National Union of Allied and Agricultural Employees (NUAEE)

The warning strike is scheduled to last three days, after which the unions are expected to assess the government’s response to their demands.

The development comes amid continued discussions over the cost of living, workers’ purchasing power, petrol prices and the implementation of wage-related measures across the country.