President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared insecurity and poverty as national emergencies, warning that both pose serious threats to employment, productivity and Nigeria’s overall stability.
The President made the declaration on Friday during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration at Eagle Square, where he addressed thousands of workers and labour leaders through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Tinubu stressed that decent work cannot thrive in an environment plagued by fear and economic hardship, aligning his remarks with the global May Day theme on the Decent Work Agenda promoted by the International Labour Organization.
“There cannot be decent work where workers fear for their lives or where wages cannot feed a family,” he said, noting that insecurity and poverty remain significant barriers to national development.
Despite the challenges, the President said his administration is taking urgent steps to address both issues. He highlighted the Community Protection Guards Initiative, which has reportedly recruited 45,000 young Nigerians to enhance community security while creating employment opportunities.
On economic interventions, Tinubu said the government’s social protection programmes have expanded cash transfers to about 15 million vulnerable households, with an estimated 7.5 million Nigerians lifted out of poverty.
He also pointed to major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline, which he said have collectively generated over 600,000 jobs.
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The President further outlined measures to improve workers’ welfare, including the implementation of a new national minimum wage, clearance of pension arrears, and the reintroduction of gratuity payments from January 2026. He added that over 800,000 informal sector workers have been enrolled in the micro pension scheme, while small businesses are benefiting from a N200 billion MSME support fund.
Tinubu called for continued dialogue with organised labour, urging restraint in industrial actions. Addressing the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, he said, “Strike should be the last resort, not the first,” emphasising the need for collaboration to achieve sustainable reforms.
He also commended security agencies for their efforts in safeguarding economic activities, linking improved security to job creation and national growth.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, the President said Nigeria remains on course to overcoming insecurity and reducing poverty through coordinated policies focused on job creation, economic diversification and social protection.
He cited ongoing agricultural and economic initiatives, including the National Agricultural Growth Scheme-Agro-pocket (NAGS-AP), dry season farming programmes, mechanisation efforts, post-harvest management systems, and financial inclusion schemes supported by the Bank of Agriculture. He also noted the deployment of 10,000 Agro-Rangers by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to protect farmers across 19 states.
Tinubu assured Nigerian workers that their welfare remains a priority, pledging improved working conditions, fair wages and equal opportunities.
“Decent work must not be a privilege for a few, but a reality for all,” he said.
