Public Sector Workers Down Tools Over Worsening Economic Strain

Post created on 10:47 am

Public service workers across Nigeria under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) have declared a three-day warning strike starting Friday, October 2, 2026, protesting severe economic pressures and mental strain on employees and their dependants.

The council directed its national and state leadership to mobilize workers for the industrial action, which commenced at midnight on Friday and is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, October 4.

According to an official circular signed by JNPSNC National Secretary Olowoyo Gbenga, the nationwide strike follows the Federal Government’s failure to respond to a list of demands submitted to President Bola Tinubu in a formal letter dated September 21, 2026.

The council emphasized that the decision became necessary as living conditions continue to deteriorate, stating that public servants and vulnerable Nigerians are facing unbearable financial and psychological hardship due to rising economic challenges.

The strike involves multiple major public sector unions, including the Nigerian Civil Service Union (NCSU), the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the Medical and Health Workers Union (M&HWU), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).