Public sector workers across the federal, state and local governments are set to commence a three-day warning strike from midnight on Friday, October 2, to Sunday, October 4, 2026, following a directive by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC).

The council ordered its affiliated unions to ensure full compliance with the industrial action, citing what it described as worsening economic hardship affecting workers and vulnerable Nigerians.

The warning strike followed the Federal Government’s failure to address demands contained in a September 21 letter to President Bola Tinubu.

Among the demands are a reduction of petrol prices to N500 per litre, an immediate wage award and the commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage ahead of 2027.

The JNPSNC said it had expected President Tinubu’s October 1 Independence Anniversary address to address the concerns but expressed disappointment that the speech did not announce the requested measures.

In a circular dated October 1 and signed by its National Secretary (Trade Union side), Olowoyo Gbenga, the council directed public servants in federal, state and local government services to participate in the action.

The council argued that the current economic situation had become increasingly difficult for workers, their dependants and other vulnerable Nigerians.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has also criticised the rising cost of living and expressed support for measures to reduce the pressure on workers.

In an Independence Day statement, NLC President Joe Ajaero cited rising petrol prices, inflation, unemployment and stagnant wages among the factors affecting workers' purchasing power.

The NLC called for immediate measures to reduce petrol prices, a nationwide wage award, implementation of outstanding tax-relief measures agreed with government, and the early commencement of negotiations for a new minimum wage for 2027.

It also called for greater transparency in public spending, reduction in the cost of governance and stronger measures to address insecurity and unemployment.

The development means that public services at federal, state and local government levels could be affected during the three-day warning strike, subject to the implementation of the unions' directive.