Public sector workers under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) have reaffirmed plans for a three-day nationwide warning strike from Friday, October 2, if the Federal Government fails to cut petrol prices, approve a wage award and begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage.
The eight-union council said its September 30 deadline remains unchanged and that workers nationwide have been mobilised for the proposed industrial action.
In a statement by its National Secretary, Gbenga Olowoyo, the JNPSNC demanded that Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) be reduced to N500 per litre, describing current prices of about N1,450 to N2,000 and as high as N2,500 in some areas as unsustainable for workers.
The unions proposed government intervention to reduce petrol landing costs and urged the Federal Government to ensure crude oil is supplied to the Dangote Refinery and modular refineries on terms that would support increased domestic refining.
They also demanded an immediate wage award to cushion workers against rising living costs.
Beyond the immediate wage relief, the council wants a tripartite committee of government, labour and employers constituted to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage. Recent reports say the unions are seeking a minimum wage of at least N500,000 from 2027, arguing that early negotiations are necessary to avoid delays in implementation.
The renewed ultimatum comes amid continuing fluctuations in petrol prices. Reports on Wednesday said the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had reduced pump prices at selected stations in Lagos and Abuja by up to N25 per litre following a reduction in Dangote Refinery’s petrol gantry price to N1,325 per litre. However, prices remain inconsistent across locations and many outlets have not fully reflected the reductions.
The JNPSNC had written President Bola Tinubu on September 21, urging urgent action on the three demands. It has also called on the President to address the issues in his Independence Day broadcast.
Unless the government takes concrete steps by the September 30 deadline, the council says the three-day warning strike will begin on October 2.