President Bola Tinubu has declared insecurity and poverty as national emergencies, warning that the twin challenges pose serious threats to jobs, productivity and national stability.
Tinubu made the declaration at the 2026 International Workers’ Day held at Eagle Square on Friday, in Abuja.
Addressing workers, labour leaders and other stakeholders, the president said the federal government is treating both crises with urgency due to their far-reaching impact on livelihoods and economic activities.
Tinubu, who was represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
He said, “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.
“These challenges have been treated as a national emergency because of their impact on productivity, livelihoods and the confidence of both workers and employers.”
Tinubu aligned his message with the Decent Work Agenda of the International Labour Organization, acknowledging that insecurity and poverty remain major obstacles to building a peaceful and stable society.
On security, the president highlighted the Community Protection Guards Initiative, which he said has recruited 45,000 young Nigerians to secure communities while creating jobs.
He also commended security agencies for their efforts and paid tribute to personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
On the economy, Tinubu cited key interventions under his Renewed Hope Agenda, including expanded cash transfers reaching 15 million vulnerable households and lifting about 7.5 million Nigerians out of poverty.
He said major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline have generated more than 600,000 jobs.
The president added that his administration has implemented a new national minimum wage, cleared pension arrears and resumed gratuity payments from January 2026.
“To you, our dear workers, your welfare remains a priority. We are committed to improving working conditions, promoting fair wages and ensuring dignity and safety in the workplace,” he said.
Tinubu also outlined a multi-dimensional anti-poverty strategy focused on agriculture, small businesses, infrastructure and social protection, including programmes such as the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and security support for farmers through the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps deployment of Agro-Rangers.
He urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) to prioritise dialogue in resolving industrial disputes.
“Strike should be the last resort, not the first,” he said.
Meanwhile, organised labour warned that Nigeria is approaching a critical tipping point, citing a failing economy, worsening insecurity and a weakening social contract.
In a joint address, NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo said workers are increasingly unable to meet basic needs despite driving the economy.
They criticised what they described as a disconnect between official economic data and the reality faced by Nigerians, warning that poverty continues to rise even as growth figures improve.
Labour also raised alarm over insecurity, describing the situation as akin to a war and warning that workers may be forced to stay at home if safety cannot be guaranteed.
“The safety of workers is non-negotiable,” the unions said.
They further called for improved wages, announcing plans to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage in July 2026, while demanding immediate measures to cushion economic hardship.
The unions urged workers to remain united and resolute, warning that they would only support candidates committed to workers’ welfare ahead of the 2027 general elections.