President Tinubu has declared national emergency on insecurity and poverty during May day address.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday declared insecurity and poverty a national emergency, warning that both challenges pose serious threats to jobs, economic productivity, and national stability.
Speaking at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at Eagle Square in Abuja, Tinubu said decent work and economic growth cannot flourish in an atmosphere of fear, violence, and widespread hardship.
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Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the president said his administration is tackling the twin challenges through coordinated security and economic interventions.
The president’s speech aligned with the global May Day theme focused on the Decent Work Agenda promoted by the International Labour Organization.
Tinubu disclosed that the federal government had launched the Community Protection Guards Initiative, which has so far recruited 45,000 young Nigerians to strengthen grassroots security and create employment opportunities.
According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda has also expanded cash transfer programmes to 15 million vulnerable households, with about 7.5 million Nigerians reportedly lifted out of poverty.
He further highlighted major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline, saying the projects have created more than 600,000 jobs across the country.
On workers’ welfare, Tinubu said his administration has implemented a new national minimum wage, cleared pension arrears, and resumed gratuity payments from January 2026.
He also revealed that over 800,000 informal sector workers have been enrolled in the micro-pension scheme, while small businesses are benefiting from a N200 billion MSME support fund.
“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,” the president stated.
He described insecurity and poverty as “hydra-headed challenges” that have negatively affected productivity, livelihoods, and investor confidence.
Addressing labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Tinubu urged restraint in industrial actions and encouraged continuous dialogue.
“Strike should be the last resort, not the first,” he said.
The president also praised security agencies for safeguarding economic activities nationwide, stressing that improved security remains key to job creation and national development.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, Tinubu expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome insecurity and poverty, promising a future where decent work becomes accessible to all citizens.
