President Bola Tinubu has identified rising insecurity and widespread poverty as urgent national crises, warning that both threaten jobs, productivity, and the country’s overall stability.
The President made this known during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration at Eagle Square in Abuja, where he addressed workers through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
According to a statement issued by the SGF’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, Tinubu stressed that meaningful employment and economic growth cannot thrive in an environment plagued by fear and hardship.
He noted that insecurity and poverty have become major barriers to national progress, but assured Nigerians that his administration is tackling both issues with urgency through coordinated and sustained efforts.
Tinubu explained that workers cannot perform effectively where safety is uncertain or wages are insufficient to meet basic needs, adding that these “multi-layered challenges” have been elevated to the level of a national emergency due to their impact on livelihoods and economic confidence.
The President also aligned his administration’s efforts with the International Labour Organisation’s Decent Work Agenda, describing it as both a global commitment and a national priority aimed at ensuring fair wages, equal opportunities, and dignity for all workers.
Highlighting key interventions, Tinubu pointed to the Community Protection Guards Initiative, which has engaged 45,000 youths to enhance local security while creating employment opportunities.
He further cited social and economic programmes under his Renewed Hope Agenda, including expanded cash transfers benefiting about 15 million vulnerable households and lifting an estimated 7.5 million Nigerians out of poverty.
Major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline were also mentioned as drivers of job creation, with over 600,000 employment opportunities generated nationwide.
On workers’ welfare, Tinubu said his administration has implemented a new national minimum wage, settled pension backlogs, and resumed gratuity payments from January 2026.
He added that over 800,000 informal sector workers have been enrolled in the micro pension scheme, while small businesses are accessing support through a ₦200 billion fund for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
The President outlined a broader strategy to combat poverty, including agricultural programmes, mechanisation initiatives, improved post-harvest management, and increased financial access through the Bank of Agriculture.
He also noted the deployment of 10,000 Agro-Rangers across 19 states to protect farmers and secure agricultural investments.
Addressing labour unions such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Tinubu urged continued dialogue and restraint, emphasizing that industrial actions should only be considered as a last option.
He commended security agencies for their dedication and sacrifices, while expressing confidence that Nigeria will overcome its challenges through sustained reforms and collective effort.
Tinubu concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving working conditions and ensuring that every Nigerian worker enjoys dignity, safety, and equal opportunity.