An urgent petition submitted to the State House, Abuja, on Monday, September 21, 2026, the labor body raised alarm over the soaring cost of living, steep energy prices, and the rapid erosion of public sector earnings. Signed by Comrade Olowoyo Gbenga, National Secretary of the JNPSNC (Trade Union Side), the letter outlined crucial demands to stabilize the welfare of the federal and state workforces. ​
The union highlighted the recent surge in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) pump prices—which have escalated to as high as ₦1,430 per litre in several locations across the country, as a major driver of the economic crisis. The JNPSNC emphasized that the hyperinflation in energy and food costs has severely diminished the purchasing power of civil servants, leaving families struggling to meet basic survival needs. ​
“The Federal Government must move beyond the ad-hoc distribution of food palliatives and adopt structural, sustainable relief measures for Nigerian workers,” the council stated. ​The JNPSNC tabled several specific interventions for Executive action ahead of the September 30, 2026 deadline set by the union.
These interventions include Fresh Wage Award & Salary Review: Immediate authorization of a fresh wage award and comprehensive review of public service allowances to cushion systemic inflation. The immediate constitution of a tripartite committee to commence early negotiations for the 2027 National Minimum Wage ahead of its January 2027 implementation.
The council proposed fixing the entry-level baseline (Grade Level 01 Step 1) at ₦500,000 monthly. Direct interventions to reduce fuel pump prices to approximately ₦500 per litre. The council voiced support for proposals to sell crude oil to domestic refineries in Naira and expand national petroleum storage facilities.
A mandate for the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to begin formal negotiations with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and JNPSNC. ​Addressing journalists at a media briefing following the submission, Comrade Olowoyo Gbenga expressed concern over rising restless sentiment across state and federal ministries.
​”We are urging President Tinubu to act on these critical demands on or before September 30, 2026. Timely presidential action will restore purchasing power, boost public service productivity, and prevent industrial unrest,” Gbenga noted.
​The negotiating council expressed optimism that President Tinubu will address the civil servants’ demands and announce concrete relief measures during his upcoming October 1st Independence Day national broadcast.
