Public sector workers are pressing the Federal Government for higher salaries, lower petrol prices and tax relief following a three-day warning strike.
Nigerian civil servants have warned of a possible indefinite strike as pressure mounts on the Federal Government to address demands for a new minimum wage, higher salaries and relief from the rising cost of living.
The warning comes after a three-day nationwide industrial action organised by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) between October 2 and 4, 2026.
The council said the government had failed to adequately address workers concerns over petrol prices, declining purchasing power and negotiations for a new national minimum wage.
Why Workers Want a Higher Minimum Wage
Nigeria’s current national minimum wage stands at ₦70,000, following an agreement reached in 2024.
However, public sector workers argue that the rising cost of food, transportation, housing and other necessities has reduced the purchasing power of their salaries.
The JNPSNC is demanding negotiations for a minimum wage of at least ₦500,000 from 2027. It also wants an immediate wage award and a reduction in petrol prices to ₦500 per litre.
The council has called for a tripartite committee to begin wage negotiations early enough to prevent delays in implementing a new agreement.
Workers Threaten Further Strike Action
According to The Guardian, JNPSNC National Secretary Gbenga Olowoyo said the warning strike recorded approximately 65 per cent compliance nationwide, based on the council’s assessment.
He reported full participation in Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Osun, Kaduna, Sokoto and Gombe states, with partial participation elsewhere.
Olowoyo warned that failure to engage labour leaders could lead to a broader strike in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of failing to maintain adequate engagement with organised labour.
Economist Warns Against ₦500,000 Wage
Economist Paul Alaje has cautioned that raising the minimum wage to ₦500,000 without corresponding improvements in production could worsen inflation.
Speaking on Arise Television, Alaje acknowledged that the existing ₦70,000 minimum wage was inadequate but suggested that a wage between ₦125,000 and ₦150,000 would be more appropriate under current economic conditions.
He argued that improving access to affordable healthcare, education and electricity would also help protect workers purchasing power.
What Happens Next?
Some civil servants are also demanding a reduction in deductions under the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax system, arguing that monthly deductions place additional pressure on household finances.
The Federal Government has begun a separate review of aspects of Nigeria’s tax reforms, although no immediate PAYE reduction has been confirmed.
Attention now turns to whether the government will begin negotiations with public sector unions before further industrial action is announced.
A prolonged strike could disrupt government services and increase economic pressure on households already struggling with rising expenses.
As of October 5, 2026, the workers have warned of further action, but no definite commencement date for an indefinite strike has been announced.
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