Civil servants in Nigeria, under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), have written to President Bola Tinubu, calling for a reduction in petrol prices to ₦500 per litre. The workers argue that the current high fuel costs have worsened economic hardship, affecting their financial stability and overall well-being. They also demand immediate wage relief and a review of salaries and allowances across the public service.
The JNPSNC, in its letter to the President, proposed that the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, be stabilised at ₦500 per litre. The council noted that the rising cost of fuel, which has reached about ₦1,430 per litre in some locations, has contributed to the increasing cost of transportation, goods, and services across the country. Reducing fuel costs, the workers argue, would provide wider relief for Nigerians.
The workers are also demanding an immediate Wage Award for public servants at the federal, state, and local government levels. This award is expected to serve as a temporary relief measure ahead of negotiations for a new National Minimum Wage, which is expected to take effect from January 2027. The JNPSNC has called for the immediate creation of a committee to begin discussions on the new wage structure.
The council criticised the government's reliance on food palliatives as a solution to economic hardship, saying such interventions are not sustainable. Instead, they called for measures that would provide broader economic relief. The JNPSNC gave the Federal Government until September 30, 2026, to respond to its demands, warning that continued hardship is increasing tension among workers and Nigerians.
The demands come amid continued public concerns over the rising cost of living in Nigeria. Organised labour and workers' groups have been calling for measures to improve purchasing power and ease financial pressure on Nigerians. The JNPSNC's demands are aimed at providing relief to workers and their families, who are struggling to cope with the current economic situation.
The increase in petrol prices has had a ripple effect on the economy, affecting transportation, production costs, and household expenses. The workers argue that reducing fuel costs would help alleviate some of the financial pressure facing Nigerians. The JNPSNC's proposals are seen as a move to address the welfare of workers and promote economic stability.
The Federal Government has been urged to take immediate action to address the workers' demands. Failure to respond to the demands by the set deadline may lead to increased tension among workers and Nigerians. The JNPSNC's letter to President Tinubu is a call to action to address the economic hardship facing workers and their families.
Key points
- Civil servants demand petrol price cut to ₦500 and immediate wage relief amid rising economic hardship.
- JNPSNC proposes committee to discuss new National Minimum Wage.
- Workers criticise reliance on food palliatives, seeking broader economic relief.
