Following the unheeded expiration of its deadline, the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) has officially directed public sector employees at the federal, state, and local levels to embark on a three-day warning strike effective midnight, Friday, October 2, 2026.
JNPSNC National Secretary Comrade Olowoyo Gbenga communicated the council’s position via an official circular addressed to all national officers and state chapter leaders.
The move fulfills a prior resolution conveyed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on September 21, 2026.
The council had stipulated an October 2 ultimatum for the administration to address economic hardship triggered by recent fuel price hikes—specifically requesting a price reduction to ₦500 per liter or an interim wage award for workers.
The absence of a resolution by the designated deadline has necessitated the immediate mobilization of public servants nationwide.
“Consequent upon the above, the strike shall start with effect from midnight of Friday 2nd October, 2026 to Sunday October 4th, 2026,” JNPSNC stated.
Directing workers across the three tiers of government to join the action, the council said the prevailing economic hardship was affecting workers, their dependants and vulnerable Nigerians.
“In the same vein, all Public Servants in the services of Federal, State and Local Governments are to join the warning strike because an injury to one is an injury to all,” it stated.
The council said the worsening economic situation had made life increasingly difficult for workers and other Nigerians, particularly against the backdrop of rising transportation costs and the increasing prices of goods and services.
“The economic and mental hardships are becoming unbearable and frustrating,” it stated.
JNPSNC directed its national and state structures to commence immediate mobilisation of public servants for the three-day warning strike.
“The time to act and mobilise workers for the three days warning strike is now,” the council declared.
The warning strike is scheduled to commence at midnight on Friday, October 2, and run through Sunday, October 4, 2026.
The council urged its leadership structures to disseminate the directive to workers across the country.