President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially labeled insecurity and poverty as national emergencies, stating that these issues pose severe risks to employment, economic output, and overall national security. He made this declaration during a May Day address at Eagle Square, where he spoke to a large gathering of workers and labor leaders.
Represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Tinubu emphasized that decent work cannot exist in an environment filled with fear and financial struggle. He aligned his remarks with the International Labour Organization’s Decent Work Agenda, which served as the global theme for the day.
The president acknowledged that insecurity and poverty remain major hurdles but assured that his administration is tackling them with urgency. He introduced the Community Protection Guards Initiative, which has already enrolled 45,000 young Nigerians to enhance local security while generating jobs.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu highlighted expanded cash transfer programs reaching 15 million vulnerable households, lifting an estimated 7.5 million Nigerians out of poverty. Major infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline have created over 600,000 jobs across the country.
Regarding workers’ welfare, the government has implemented a new national minimum wage, cleared pension arrears, and reinstated gratuity payments starting January 2026. Additionally, over 800,000 informal sector workers have enrolled in the micro-pension scheme, and small businesses have access to a N200 billion MSME support fund.
Tinubu stressed that decent work is impossible when workers fear for their lives, wages cannot support families, and insecurity disrupts economic activities. He described these challenges as hydra-headed but noted that the government is treating them as a national emergency due to their impact on productivity and confidence.
The administration reiterated its commitment to building a peaceful Nigeria where citizens can sleep with their eyes closed and achieve the Decent Work Agenda. It framed the agenda not just as an international framework but as a national necessity aligned with the vision of rewarding hard work and providing equal opportunities.
Despite persistent challenges, the government assured that it is not relenting. It is addressing the issues through deliberate, coordinated, and sustained actions backed by targeted policies and the dedication of security personnel, some of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Addressing labor unions including the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, Tinubu called for continuous dialogue and restraint in industrial disputes. He urged that strikes be a last resort, not a first option, and encouraged collaboration for lasting reforms.
The president also commended security forces for protecting economic activities, noting that improved safety directly fuels job creation and national growth. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s path to overcoming insecurity and reducing poverty, promising a future where decent work is a reality for all, not a privilege for a few.