President Bola Tinubu has described insecurity and poverty as major barriers to achieving peace and sustainable development in Nigeria, declaring both challenges a national emergency.
Speaking at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja, the President said the twin crises continue to undermine job creation, productivity and national stability.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, stressed that meaningful economic growth cannot thrive in an environment plagued by fear and hardship.
“There cannot be decent work where workers fear for their lives, where wages cannot feed a family, or where insecurity disrupts farms, factories and markets,” he said.
The President noted that insecurity and poverty remain significant obstacles to building a peaceful nation where citizens can live without fear, adding that both issues are being tackled with urgency through coordinated government interventions.
He explained that the administration’s approach aligns with the Decent Work Agenda of the International Labour Organisation, aimed at ensuring fair wages, equal opportunities and dignity for workers.
Tinubu highlighted several initiatives under his Renewed Hope Agenda, including the Community Protection Guards Initiative, which has reportedly engaged 45,000 youths to boost local security while creating jobs.
He also pointed to expanded social investment programmes, including cash transfers to about 15 million vulnerable households, which he said have lifted an estimated 7.5 million Nigerians out of poverty.
According to him, large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline have generated over 600,000 jobs nationwide.
On workers’ welfare, the President listed key reforms, including the implementation of a new national minimum wage, clearance of pension arrears, and the reintroduction of gratuity payments from January 2026.
He added that more than 800,000 informal sector workers have been enrolled in the micro pension scheme, while small businesses are benefiting from a N200 billion support fund for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
Tinubu further outlined agricultural and security interventions, including the deployment of 10,000 Agro-Rangers by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps across 19 states to safeguard farmers and investments.
Addressing organised labour, particularly the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, he urged continued dialogue in resolving disputes.
“Strike should be the last resort, not the first,” he said.
The President also commended security personnel for their sacrifices and expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its challenges through sustained efforts to restore peace and economic stability.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving working conditions and ensuring that every Nigerian worker enjoys dignity, safety and equal opportunity.