President Bola Tinubu has declared insecurity and poverty as national emergencies, describing them as grave threats to jobs, productivity and national stability.
Tinubu made the declaration in his goodwill message to workers during the May Day celebration at Eagle Square, Abuja.
The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the twin challenges had continued to weaken livelihoods and erode economic confidence.
Tinubu said insecurity and poverty had become major obstacles to the country’s development and workers’ welfare.
He said, “There cannot be decent work where workers fear for their lives or where wages cannot feed a family.”
The President aligned his message with the global May Day theme on the Decent Work Agenda of the International Labour Organisation.
He said the agenda was not merely an international framework but a national imperative tied to his administration’s vision of a country where hard work is rewarded, and opportunities are available to all.
Tinubu said his administration had initiated measures to tackle insecurity while creating jobs.
According to him, the Community Protection Guards Initiative has provided employment opportunities for 45,000 young Nigerians to secure communities.
He also said the expanded cash transfer component of the Renewed Hope Agenda had reached about 15 million vulnerable households, lifting an estimated 7.5 million Nigerians out of poverty.
The President added that major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline, had collectively generated over 600,000 jobs across the country.
Agro-Rangers Deployed In 19 States
Tinubu said targeted policies in agriculture, infrastructure, small businesses and social protection were laying the foundation for inclusive growth.
He said interventions such as the National Agricultural Growth Scheme-Agro-pocket, dry season farming programmes, mechanisation drives and post-harvest management initiatives were boosting food security and rural employment.
The President added that 10,000 Agro-Rangers deployed by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps across 19 states were helping to secure farmers and agricultural investments from banditry.
On workers’ welfare, Tinubu said his administration had implemented a new national minimum wage, cleared pension arrears and reintroduced gratuity payments effective January 2026.
He also said over 800,000 informal sector workers had been enrolled in the micro pension scheme, while small businesses were benefiting from a ₦200 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises support fund.
Tinubu appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to exercise restraint in industrial disputes and embrace dialogue.
“Strike should be the last resort, not the first,” he said.
He commended security personnel for their sacrifices, noting that improved safety was directly linked to job creation and economic growth.
“To you, our dear workers, your welfare remains a priority. 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 said.
Minister Hails Nigerian Workers
In a separate message, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, described Nigerian workers as the backbone of the nation.
He said May Day was not only a commemoration of workers’ struggles and achievements but also “a reminder of the challenges that still confront us.”
Dingyadi acknowledged the rising cost of living and insecurity but said the Federal Government remained committed to wage reforms and job creation.
“The recently implemented minimum wage is not the end of our journey, but a step toward ensuring that every worker earns a living wage that reflects dignity and fairness,” he said.
The minister added that the government was working with states and labour unions to ensure full compliance.
