Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Workers threaten nationwide strike over rising petrol price, wage award

Workers threaten nationwide strike over rising petrol price, wage award

Workers under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) have threatened to embark on a nationwide three-day warning strike from October 2, 2026, if the Federal Government fails to address their concerns over the rising cost of petrol and wage award.

The council, which comprises eight public sector unions, reaffirmed September 30 as its deadline for the government to respond to its demands.

The workers are demanding a reduction in petrol prices to N500 per litre, an immediate wage award to cushion the impact of rising living costs and the urgent constitution of a tripartite committee to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage expected to take effect in 2027.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 29, by the JNPSNC National Secretary and General Secretary of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, Gbenga Olowoyo, the council said the deadline remained sacrosanct.

The unions described current petrol prices, reportedly ranging from N1,450 to N2,000 per litre and reaching N2,500 in some areas, as unacceptable.

According to the council, the high cost of fuel has placed severe financial pressure on workers, their dependants and the wider population.

The workers urged the Federal Government to establish an intervention fund to address landing costs and support oil and gas operators.

They also called for crude oil to be supplied to the Dangote Refinery and modular refineries on appropriate terms to boost domestic refining and help reduce fuel costs.

The JNPSNC further demanded an immediate wage award to cushion workers from the effects of the current economic hardship and urged the government to commence negotiations for a new minimum wage early enough to prevent delays in implementation.

The council warned that failure by the government to act by September 30 would leave workers with “no option” but to commence the three-day warning strike from October 2.

It also urged the government to use President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day address to adequately address the issues raised by the workers.

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