ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu on Friday declared insecurity and poverty as national emergencies, warning that both crises pose serious threats to jobs, productivity and Nigeria’s overall stability.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Goerge Akume, Persecondnews reports that the President made the declaration on Friday during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja, where he addressed labour leaders and thousands of workers.
According to a statement issued by the SGF’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, Tinubu said there can be no meaningful employment or economic growth in an environment marked by fear, insecurity and widespread hardship.
He noted that insecurity and poverty have continued to hinder national development and stressed that his administration is working tirelessly to address both challenges.
“There cannot be decent work where workers fear for their lives, where wages cannot feed a family, or where insecurity disrupts farms, factories, markets and other economic activities,” he said.
President Tinubu said the government has therefore treated the situation as a national emergency due to its impact on productivity and livelihoods among workers and employers.
He also linked his administration’s labour policy direction to the Decent Work Agenda of the International Labour Organization, saying it aligns with Nigeria’s vision of fair wages, equal opportunity and improved living standards.
While highlighting interventions under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the President said initiatives such as expanded cash transfers to 15 million vulnerable households and efforts targeting poverty reduction have begun yielding results, with millions already lifted out of poverty.
He also mentioned ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline, which has boosted employment across the country.
On workers’ welfare, Tinubu said his administration has implemented a new national minimum wage, cleared pension arrears and reintroduced gratuity payments effective from January 2026.
He further added that over 800,000 informal sector workers have been enrolled in the micro pension scheme, while small businesses continue to benefit from a N200 billion support fund for micro, small and medium enterprises.
The President commended security agencies for their sacrifices in protecting the country and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and strengthening economic stability.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its current challenges, pledging improved working conditions, fair wages and greater dignity for workers across all sectors.
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