Precious Nwonu, Enugu

Public servants under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council have threatened to begin a three-day warning strike on October 2 if the Federal Government fails to address their concerns over petrol prices, wage awards and negotiations for a new national minimum wage.

The council, which brings together eight public sector unions, gave the Federal Government until September 30 to respond to its demands.

Among the demands are a reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit to ₦500 per litre, approval of a wage award for workers and the immediate constitution of a tripartite committee to negotiate a new national minimum wage ahead of 2027.

The JNPSNC disclosed its position in a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Secretary and General Secretary of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, Gbenga Olowoyo.

The council said it had already mobilised workers nationwide for the planned industrial action should the government fail to meet its demands before the deadline.

The workers had written to President Bola Tinubu on September 21, calling for urgent measures to address the impact of rising fuel costs and worsening economic pressures on public servants and their families.

The council said petrol prices, which it claimed currently range from ₦1,450 to ₦2,000 per litre and could reach ₦2,500 in some areas outside major cities, had become unsustainable for workers.

It called on the Federal Government to introduce an intervention fund to address landing costs and support oil and gas operators as part of measures to reduce the price of petrol.

The unions also urged the government to ensure crude oil is supplied to the Dangote Refinery and modular refinery operators on appropriate terms to encourage domestic refining and help lower the cost of petroleum products.

According to the council, the high cost of fuel has increased financial pressure on workers, their dependants and other Nigerians, making it difficult for many households to maintain a decent standard of living.

On the wage award, the unions asked the Federal Government to approve immediate financial relief for public servants to cushion the impact of prevailing economic conditions.

The council said the intervention would help workers remain productive and strengthen their commitment to public service despite the economic difficulties.

The unions also demanded the immediate formation of a tripartite committee to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage expected to take effect in 2027.

They said starting the process early would prevent administrative or procedural delays that could affect the implementation of the new wage after negotiations are concluded and the necessary legislation is passed.

The JNPSNC said the Federal Government’s response by September 30 would determine whether the proposed strike would proceed.

It warned that failure to address the demands by the deadline would leave the unions with no option but to commence the three-day warning strike from October 2.

The council also urged President Tinubu to address the issues in his Independence Day broadcast, warning that continued inaction could further increase dissatisfaction among workers and other Nigerians affected by the economic situation.

The JNPSNC comprises the Nigerian Civil Service Union, Medical and Health Workers Union, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, 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.