President Bola Tinubu has officially categorized the twin crises of insecurity and poverty as national emergencies, warning that they pose a direct threat to the country’s stability and economic productivity.
During the 2026 Workers’ Day ceremony held at Eagle Square in Abuja, the President delivered a stern message regarding the state of the nation.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the President made it clear that the current climate of fear and financial hardship is incompatible with the goal of providing sustainable employment for the Nigerian people.
The President noted that the federal government is prioritizing these issues because they stifle the growth of industries and disrupt the daily lives of citizens.
In a firm address to the gathered labor leaders and workers, he explained that safety and a living wage are fundamental rights that must be secured to move the nation forward.
“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,” Tinubu said in his statement.
He further remarked that “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.”
To combat the surge in crime and rural instability, the administration highlighted the Community Protection Guards Initiative, a program that has seen 45,000 young Nigerians drafted to secure their local areas.
Beyond security, the President pointed to his Renewed Hope Agenda as the vehicle for economic recovery, citing that 15 million households are now part of an expanded cash transfer system aimed at pulling 7.5 million people out of extreme poverty.
Large-scale infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the AKK Gas Pipeline were also mentioned as critical drivers for the 600,000 jobs created under his watch.
Regarding the welfare of the Nigerian workforce, the President confirmed that the new national minimum wage is being enforced and that the government has moved to clear long-standing pension arrears.
He also noted that the reintroduction of gratuity payments for public servants began in January 2026. For those outside the formal government structure, over 800,000 informal workers have joined micro-pension schemes, while small scale businesses are currently accessing a ₦200 billion support fund.
Tinubu described the Decent Work Agenda as a cornerstone of his administration, stating that “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.”
The agricultural sector is also receiving specialized attention to ensure food security amid the national emergency. The President detailed the deployment of 10,000 Agro-Rangers through the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to protect farmers in 19 different states.
These security measures are being paired with financial support through the Bank of Agriculture and mechanization programs. While acknowledging the frustrations of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, the President urged labor leaders to maintain a peaceful relationship with the government.
He cautioned that “Strike should be the last resort, not the first,” as he promised that his team remains focused on “improving working conditions, promoting fair wages and ensuring that every Nigerian worker enjoys dignity, safety, and equal opportunity in the workplace.”
