Workers Begin Three-Day Warning Strike Over Rising Hardship

Public sector workers across Nigeria have commenced a three-day warning strike following the failure of the Federal Government to address demands over rising living costs, petrol prices, workers’ welfare and preparations for a new national minimum wage.

The industrial action began at midnight on Friday, October 2, and is scheduled to continue until Sunday, October 4, 2026, following a directive by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council.

The council directed workers in federal, state and local government services, including employees of ministries, departments and agencies, to participate in the strike.

The decision followed a September 21 letter to President Bola Tinubu in which the workers presented a number of demands aimed at easing what they described as worsening economic hardship affecting employees and their dependants.

Among the major demands is a reduction in the pump price of petrol to N500 per litre. The workers also demanded an immediate wage award to cushion the impact of rising living costs.

The council further called on the Federal Government to establish a tripartite committee to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage expected to become due in 2027.

The workers said early commencement of the process was necessary to prevent delays in negotiating and implementing a new wage structure when the current arrangement becomes due.

The warning strike followed an earlier ultimatum issued to the Federal Government, with the council giving September 30 as the deadline for action on its demands.

The unions had also expected President Tinubu to address their concerns during his Independence Day broadcast on October 1.

However, the workers said the President’s address did not contain the measures they had requested, leading the council to activate the planned industrial action.

The JNPSNC said the high cost of petrol had placed severe pressure on workers, their families and other Nigerians, making it increasingly difficult for many households to meet their daily needs.

The council also expressed concern over what it described as growing economic and mental hardship among workers and vulnerable Nigerians.

The unions warned that without measures to improve workers’ purchasing power, the pressure could continue to affect productivity and the ability of public servants to meet their responsibilities.

The industrial action involves several public sector unions, including the Nigerian Civil Service Union, Medical and Health Workers Union, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria and National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives.

Other unions involved include the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Employees; Nigeria Union of Public Service, Reportorial, Secretarial, Data Processors and Allied Workers; National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Products Workers; and National Union of Agriculture and Allied Employees.

The council instructed its national and state leadership to mobilise members for the action and ensure compliance across the public service.

The strike comes at a time when the Federal Government is defending its economic reforms and arguing that the measures introduced since 2023 are intended to stabilise the economy and create the conditions for long-term growth.

The workers, however, are demanding immediate interventions that would provide relief from the effects of rising prices and declining purchasing power.

The three-day action is being presented by the unions as a warning rather than an indefinite shutdown, leaving room for further discussions between labour representatives and the government after the exercise.

The outcome of the strike and any response from the Federal Government could determine whether the dispute is resolved after the three-day action or develops into a broader confrontation over wages, petrol prices and workers’ welfare.

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