Nigerian Public Servants to Strike for 3 Days Over Demands

Public servants across Nigeria are set to begin a three-day nationwide warning strike from Friday, October 2, to Sunday, October 4, 2026. This decision follows the federal government's failure to address demands presented by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC).

The directive was issued in a statement on Thursday, October 1, signed by JNPSNC National Secretary, Comrade Olowoyo Gbenga. The strike will affect workers in federal, state, and local government services, including employees of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The JNPSNC had previously urged President Bola Tinubu to address their demands during his Independence anniversary speech, which included calls for a reduction in petrol prices, payment of wage awards, and the initiation of 2027 minimum wage negotiations. However, Gbenga stated that the President's speech did not address these demands, leading to the confirmation of the industrial action after the deadline expired.

The JNPSNC comprises eight unions, including the Nigeria Civil Service Union and the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria.