Workers declare three-day warning strike over economic hardship, minimum wage

Public service workers under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council have declared a three-day warning strike from October 2 to 4, 2026, over what they described as worsening economic and mental hardship affecting workers and their dependants.

The council directed its national and state leaders to mobilise workers for the industrial action, scheduled to commence at midnight on Friday, October 2, and end on Sunday, October 4.

The directive was contained in a circular dated October 1, 2026, and signed by the National Secretary of the JNPSNC, Olowoyo Gbenga, who urged the council’s leadership to ensure that the information was disseminated to workers across the country.

According to the circular, the decision followed the Federal Government’s alleged failure to address requests previously submitted to President Bola Tinubu in a letter dated September 21, 2026.

The council stated, “Consequent upon the above, the strike shall start with effect from midnight of Friday, 2nd October, 2026, to Sunday, October 4th, 2026.”
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The circular also called on public servants in the federal, state and local government services to participate in the strike, stressing that the action was intended to draw attention to the difficulties facing workers across the country.

It stated, “In the same vein, all public servants in the services of Federal, State and Local Governments are to join the warning strike because an injury to one is an injury to all, most especially, all workers, their dependants, vulnerable and hapless Nigerians are groaning terribly under the present economic hardship.”

The council further described the situation as increasingly difficult for workers, adding, “The economic and mental hardships are becoming unbearable and frustrating.”

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It urged its leaders to begin mobilisation immediately, declaring, “The time to act and mobilise workers for the three-day warning strike is now!!!”

The planned industrial action follows the council’s earlier demands on the Federal Government for measures to cushion the effects of rising living costs, including a reduction in petrol prices, a wage award for workers and the commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage ahead of 2027.

The JNPSNC had reportedly asked 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 negotiate a new national minimum wage.

The demands come amid concerns over the rising cost of living and the declining purchasing power of Nigerian workers following increases in the prices of essential goods, transportation and other household expenses.

The council concluded its circular by urging its members to disseminate the strike notice, expressing confidence in the outcome of the action.

“Please, disseminate the information!!! Surely, there is victory for us!!!” the circular added.

As of the time of the circular, the council maintained that the strike would proceed as scheduled, with public servants across the three tiers of government expected to participate.

Deborah Tolu-Kolawole

Deborah Tolu-Kolawole is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with four years of experience covering Nigeria’s vast education sector as well as related areas such as politics, health, security, and labour. She blends rigorous reporting with digital storytelling to bring clarity and insight to complex issues affecting learners, educators, and policymakers. Deborah was a nominee for The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) Prize in Journalism, recognising her impactful reporting and contributions to Nigerian media. Her work reflects strong newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to accurate, audience-focused journalism. In addition to her reporting, she is fluent in multiple languages and serves as a contributing member of The Punch editorial board.

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