The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC)—an umbrella body representing key public sector labor unions in Nigeria—has issued a firm deadline to the Federal Government, demanding immediate action on setting up negotiations for the new National Minimum Wage.

 

In a formal statement, the council warned that if the government fails to meet its demands by **Wednesday, September 30, 2026**, public servants across the nation will initiate a three-day warning strike starting **Friday, October 2, 2026**.

 

### Urgent Demand for Negotiation Committee

 

The JNPSNC urged the Tinubu-led administration to immediately establish a dedicated committee to facilitate negotiations, emphasizing that proactive steps are necessary to prevent administrative delays once the new National Minimum Wage bill is eventually passed by the National Assembly.

 

> *"The council believes that urgent action on this demand will further enable public servants to consolidate their loyalty, commitment and productivity within the public service ecosystem,"* the group stated.

 

### Independence Day Address Crucial

 

With the nation marking its 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, the labor coalition stressed that President Bola Tinubu's upcoming national broadcast must directly address the economic hardships facing public workers and vulnerable citizens.

 

> *"Consequently, the council states that failure by the Federal Government to take the necessary steps to address these issues on or before 30th September 2026 will leave Nigerian workers with no option but to commence a three-day warning strike, with effect from Friday, 2nd October 2026, to press home their demands,"* the statement read.

> *"It is imperative to state clearly that the Independence Day address of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should adequately address these critical issues. Failure to address the concerns raised... will attract the displeasure of Nigerian workers and their dependants."*

 

### Key Unions Backing the Warning Strike

 

The JNPSNC coalition brings together major civil service and public sector unions nationwide, including:

 

* Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN)

* Nigerian Civil Service Union (NCSU)

* Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN)

* National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM)

* Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Employees (AUPCTRE)

* Nigeria Union of Public Service, Reportorial, Secretarial, Data Processors and Allied Workers

* National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Products Workers

* National Union of Agriculture and Allied Workers

 

As the September 30 deadline expires today, public sector stakeholders and workers nationwide await the Federal Government's response and the President's Independence Day address to see if a strike action will be averted.