The Joint National Public Service Negotiation Council has directed its leadership at national, state and local levels to mobilize members for a three – day warning strike from October 2 to 4 , 2026 , citing worsening economic and mental hardship on the part of the workers and their family members as reasons for the industrial action.
According to a circular released on October 1 , 2026 and signed by the National Secretary of the JNPSNC , Olowoyo Gbenga, the council also alleged that the Federal Government failed to address its requests earlier submitted to President Bola Tinubu on 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.”
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.”
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.
Credit: Punch
