Workers threaten three-day strike over petrol price, wage award

By Mopelola Ogundele

Public sector workers have threatened to embark on a three-day warning strike from Friday, October 2, if the Federal Government fails to address demands over petrol prices, wage awards and the proposed minimum wage.

The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) issued the warning as its September 30 deadline for government action expires.

The council is demanding that the Federal Government reduce the pump price of petrol to ₦500 per litre, approve a wage award for workers and commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage of at least ₦500,000 from 2027.

The workers said the demands were necessary to cushion the impact of rising living costs on public servants and other vulnerable Nigerians.

According to the council, failure by the government to respond to the demands by the end of Wednesday would trigger a three-day warning strike beginning Friday.

The council also called on the Federal Government to ensure adequate crude oil supply to the Dangote Refinery and other domestic refineries, arguing that increased local refining could contribute to lower petroleum product prices.

The development comes amid continuing concerns over the cost of living and the purchasing power of Nigerian workers.