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Public servants across Nigeria have been directed to embark on a three-day nationwide warning strike from Friday, October 2, to Sunday, October 4, 2026, following a directive by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC).

The directive, contained in a circular dated October 1, 2026, reportedly instructed the council’s national and state leadership to mobilise workers across the Federal, State and Local Government services for the industrial action. 

The development follows the expiration of a September 30 deadline given to the Federal Government by the workers’ council to address their concerns over the rising cost of living and worsening economic hardship.

Key Demands

The JNPSNC is demanding:

🔹 Reduction of petrol prices to ₦500 per litre

🔹 Immediate wage award for workers to cushion the impact of rising living costs

🔹 Commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage ahead of 2027

🔹 Urgent measures to ease economic hardship affecting workers, their dependants and vulnerable Nigerians. 

According to reports, the council had earlier written to President Bola Tinubu on September 21, 2026, outlining its demands and warning that failure to address them by September 30 would trigger the planned industrial action. 

Strike Comes After Independence Day Address

The declaration comes shortly after President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day address on October 1, during which he said reducing the cost of living remains a priority of his administration.

The President highlighted measures including increased agricultural production, improved transportation infrastructure, reduced production costs and job creation as part of efforts to improve living conditions.

However, reports indicate that the specific demands raised by the JNPSNC were not addressed in the Independence Day speech, following which the council proceeded with its strike directive. 

What This Means

The directive covers public servants in federal, state and local government services, including workers across government ministries, departments and agencies.

For residents in Plateau State, the development could affect the operations of some government offices and public services from Friday, depending on the level of compliance by workers and the specific institutions involved.

Important: The announced action is a three-day warning strike, scheduled to run from October 2 to October 4, rather than an indefinite strike. Reports currently describe it as a planned nationwide industrial action by public servants under the JNPSNC. 

Jos Events | Keeping Jos & Plateau Informed.