Public sector unions under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) have directed federal, state and local government employees to commence a three-day warning strike from midnight Friday, October 2, 2026.

The action follows the expiration of the council’s September 30 deadline for the Federal Government to respond to demands on petrol prices, a wage award and negotiations for a new national minimum wage. The JNPSNC had earlier announced the planned strike, and reports on October 1 confirm that the action is proceeding. 

In a circular dated October 1 and signed by the council’s National Secretary (Trade Union Side), Olowoyo Gbenga, affiliate unions were directed to ensure compliance with the industrial action.

The strike is scheduled to run from October 2 to October 4.

Why Public Servants Are Striking

The JNPSNC said the decision followed what it described as worsening economic and mental hardship among workers and other Nigerians.

The council’s major demands include:

• Reduction of petrol prices to N500 per litre.
• Immediate approval of a wage award for workers.
• Establishment of a tripartite committee to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage ahead of 2027.
• Measures to reduce the impact of rising living costs.

The council had written to President Bola Tinubu on September 21 outlining the demands and subsequently gave the government until September 30 to respond. 

Eight Unions Under JNPSNC

The JNPSNC comprises eight public-sector unions, including the Nigerian Civil Service Union, Medical and Health Workers Union, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria and National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives.

Others are the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Employees; Nigeria Union of Public Service, Reportorial, Secretarial, Data Processors and Allied Workers; National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Products Workers; and National Union of Agriculture and Allied Employees. 

Workers Demand N500 Petrol

The council is demanding that the Federal Government take steps to reduce petrol prices to N500 per litre.

It proposed measures including intervention funding to address landing costs and support oil and gas operators.

The unions also called for crude oil to be supplied to the Dangote Refinery and modular refineries on terms that would support increased domestic refining and potentially reduce petroleum product prices. 

Wage Award, New Minimum Wage Also Demanded

The JNPSNC is also demanding an immediate wage award to cushion workers against the prevailing cost-of-living pressures.

It further wants the government to establish a tripartite committee to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage expected to become due in 2027.

The council said early negotiations would help prevent administrative delays in implementing a new wage framework once an agreement is reached and enacted.

NLC Supports Public Sector Unions

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed support for the position of the public-sector unions.

In its Independence Day message, NLC President Joe Ajaero highlighted petrol prices, inflation, stagnant wages, unemployment and insecurity as factors affecting workers and other Nigerians.

The NLC also called for measures to reduce petrol prices, an immediate nationwide wage award and negotiations for a new minimum wage ahead of 2027. 

The labour centre also called for implementation of tax-relief measures it said were agreed during the October 2023 dialogue between government and labour.

Government Response

Reports published before the strike said efforts to obtain a detailed response from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment were unsuccessful.

A source within the ministry, however, said the matter was being handled by the appropriate government authorities. 

For now, the JNPSNC has directed its members across federal, state and local government services to participate in the three-day warning strike beginning October 2.

The post Breaking: Public Servants Begin Three-Day Warning Strike Over Fuel Price, Wage Demands appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Government has assured federal civil servants that the outstanding ₦35,000 wage award arrears will be paid before the middle of August, saying the necessary approvals for the release of funds are in the final stages. Government officials also confirmed that outstanding promotion arrears are being processed as part of ongoing efforts to fulfil commitments made to public sector workers.

The assurance follows recent concerns raised by organised labour over delays in the payment of the wage award, which was introduced as a temporary relief measure to cushion the impact of economic reforms and the rising cost of living. The government said it remains committed to honouring its obligations and maintaining constructive engagement with workers’ representatives.

According to the Federal Ministry of Finance, payment of the outstanding wage award is expected to commence before mid-August once the final administrative processes are completed. Officials noted that discussions with labour unions have continued in a bid to resolve outstanding welfare issues through dialogue rather than industrial action.

The wage award was first introduced in 2023 as a temporary intervention following the removal of fuel subsidy and rising inflation, pending the implementation of a new national minimum wage. Although some instalments have already been paid, delays in clearing the remaining arrears prompted renewed demands from labour unions for immediate settlement.

Government officials also confirmed that promotion arrears for eligible civil servants are being processed alongside the wage award payments. The move is expected to address some of the welfare concerns raised by workers and reinforce ongoing efforts to improve industrial relations within the federal public service.

Labour leaders welcomed the renewed commitment but stressed that implementation remains the key test. They have consistently maintained that timely payment of outstanding entitlements is essential to maintaining industrial harmony and improving the welfare of public servants amid prevailing economic challenges.

Analysts say the settlement of wage award arrears could ease tensions between the government and organised labour while supporting household incomes during a period of persistent inflation. They also note that improved worker welfare can have positive effects on productivity and the broader economy if accompanied by sustained fiscal discipline and effective public sector reforms.

The post Outstanding ₦35,000 Wage Award to Be Paid Before Mid-August, FG Says appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government until August 11, 2026, to settle outstanding wage award payments owed to federal workers, warning that failure to meet the deadline could trigger nationwide industrial action.

The ultimatum was issued after deliberations by the NLC’s National Executive Council, which expressed concern over delays in the payment of the wage award introduced to cushion the impact of economic reforms and the rising cost of living. Labour leaders said many workers are yet to receive the full benefits despite previous government assurances.

According to the congress, the outstanding wage award remains a critical component of agreements reached with the Federal Government during negotiations over workers’ welfare. The union argued that timely payment is necessary to ease the financial burden on public sector employees facing persistent inflation and increasing living expenses.

The NLC called on the government to honour all commitments relating to workers’ welfare, including the implementation of agreed salary adjustments and other negotiated benefits. It stressed that respecting collective agreements is essential for maintaining industrial harmony and preventing unnecessary disruptions to public services.

Labour leaders warned that failure to address the issue before the August 11 deadline would leave the union with no option but to mobilise members for appropriate industrial action in line with labour laws and established procedures.

Analysts note that prolonged labour disputes could affect productivity across key sectors of the economy, including construction, infrastructure delivery, public administration, and housing programmes that depend on government agencies for implementation. They added that resolving wage-related issues through dialogue would help sustain economic activities and maintain investor confidence.

Stakeholders have therefore urged both the Federal Government and organised labour to continue constructive engagement in order to reach a mutually acceptable resolution. They argue that timely implementation of agreements will strengthen trust, improve workforce morale, and support the effective delivery of public services.

The post Labour Gives Federal Government August 11 Deadline Over Unpaid Wage Award appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Kaduna State Government has begun implementing the new ₦72,000 minimum wage, starting with civil servants on Grade Levels 1 to 6.

The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC), Kaduna State Council, confirmed the development during a press briefing on Thursday, describing it as a welcome first step — but called for immediate extension to all workers.

“The government has started with Grade Levels 1–6, but we want to make it clear that this is only the first phase,” said State NLC Chairman, Comrade Ayuba Suleiman. “We expect the implementation to cover all categories of workers, including teachers, healthcare workers, and employees in tertiary institutions and parastatals.”

The government has linked the full rollout to an ongoing staff and pension verification exercise expected to conclude by the end of September.

“While we understand the need for proper documentation, we want the government to fast-track the process so that no category of worker is left behind,” Suleiman said.

He welcomed the plan to revise healthcare salary structures in line with the new wage but expressed concern that local government staff, primary school teachers, and healthcare workers are yet to benefit.

“Our people have suffered enough. Inflation has eroded salaries, and families are struggling to survive. The ₦72,000 minimum wage is not a favor; it is a right,” he added.

Talks between the NLC and the state government are ongoing. Suleiman urged transparency, warning that industrial peace depends on timely and fair implementation.

“We expect the government to do the right thing,” he said.

The post NLC Seeks Inclusion as Kaduna Begins ₦72,000 Minimum Wage Implementation appeared first on Housing TV Africa.