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President Bola Tinubu has declared insecurity and poverty as national emergencies, warning that both challenges pose serious threats to jobs, productivity and the country’s overall stability.
The declaration was made during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration at Eagle Square in Abuja, where the president, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, addressed workers and labour leaders.
This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the SGF, Yomi Odunuga,
Tinubu said meaningful employment and economic growth cannot thrive in an environment marked by fear and economic hardship, noting that insecurity continues to disrupt farms, markets and industrial activities.
He explained that the government now treats both issues as urgent national concerns because of their far-reaching impact on livelihoods, business confidence and overall economic performance.
The administration, he added, is responding through coordinated measures aimed at improving security, expanding social protection and boosting economic opportunities.
Tinubu also outlined several interventions, including the Community Protection Guards Initiative, which he said has recruited 45,000 young Nigerians to strengthen local security while creating jobs.
“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.
“These hydra-headed challenges, the government notes, have been treated as a national emergency due to their impact on productivity, livelihoods, and the confidence of both workers and employers.
“The administration also acknowledged that insecurity and poverty remain major obstacles to building a peaceful Nigeria where citizens can sleep with their eyes closed, and to achieving the Decent Work Agenda as envisioned by the International Labour Organisation.
“The agenda is not merely an international framework but a national imperative, aligned with its vision of a country where hard work is rewarded, opportunities are accessible without discrimination, and every citizen can reach their full potential, ” he said.
Tinubu also stated expanded social programmes, noting that cash transfer schemes now reach about 15 million vulnerable households and have helped lift an estimated 7.5 million Nigerians out of poverty.
He pointed to major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline, which he said have generated over 600,000 jobs nationwide.
On workers’ welfare, the president said his administration has implemented a new national minimum wage, cleared pension arrears and reintroduced gratuity payments from January 2026.
He added that more than 800,000 informal sector workers have been enrolled in the micro-pension scheme, while small businesses are benefiting from a N200 billion support fund for micro, small and medium enterprises.
Tinubu said the government is also pursuing a multi-dimensional poverty reduction strategy focused on job creation, economic diversification and social protection, including agricultural initiatives such as the National Agricultural Growth Scheme, dry season farming, mechanisation and post-harvest management.
He further noted the deployment of 10,000 Agro-Rangers by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps across 19 states to protect farmers and agricultural investments.
Addressing the union, he called for sustained dialogue, urging unions to treat strikes as a last resort rather than a first option.
The president also commended security personnel for their efforts and expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its challenges through sustained reforms aimed at improving living conditions and ensuring decent work for all.
“Strike should be the last resort, not the first.
“We are committed to improving working conditions, promoting fair wages and ensuring that every Nigerian worker enjoys dignity, safety and equal opportunity in the workplace,” he added.
