Oyindamola Ogunbowale
A fresh labour showdown is looming over Nigeria’s rising petrol prices, with workers represented by eight public sector unions set to begin a three day industrial action on October 2 if the Federal Government fails to address their demands.
The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), which represents the eight unions, has maintained its September 30 deadline for the government to respond to concerns over fuel prices, workers’ welfare and the proposed review of the national minimum wage.
The council is demanding that the pump price of petrol be reduced to ₦500 per litre, alongside an immediate wage award to cushion workers against the rising cost of living.
It is also calling for the establishment of a tripartite committee to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage expected to take effect in 2027.
The unions had earlier presented their demands to the Federal Government, warning that failure to address the issues before the deadline would leave them with no option but to withdraw their services temporarily.
The planned three day action is expected to begin on Friday, October 2, if the government does not meet the demands.
The council has also urged the government to take steps that could encourage increased domestic refining and help bring down the cost of petroleum products.
With the September 30 deadline now in focus, attention is on the Federal Government’s response and whether the proposed action will proceed.
