Tinubu declares emergency on insecurity, poverty in Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday declared a national emergency on insecurity and poverty, warning that both challenges pose serious threats to jobs, productivity and the country’s overall stability.

Speaking before thousands of workers and labour leaders at Eagle Square, the president said decent work cannot flourish in an atmosphere dominated by fear and economic hardship.

Tinubu’s remarks echoed the global May Day theme focused on the Decent Work Agenda promoted by the International Labour Organization.

Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Tinubu acknowledged that insecurity and poverty remain “significant obstacles,” but maintained that his administration is addressing them with urgency.

He highlighted the launch of the Community Protection Guards Initiative, which he said has recruited 45,000 young Nigerians to strengthen community security while creating employment opportunities.

The president also outlined key interventions under his Renewed Hope Agenda, including expanded cash transfers reaching 15 million vulnerable households and lifting an estimated 7.5 million Nigerians out of poverty.

He added that major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline have generated more than 600,000 jobs nationwide.

On workers’ welfare, Tinubu said the government has implemented a new national minimum wage, cleared pension arrears, and reintroduced gratuity payments from January 2026.

He further noted that over 800,000 informal sector workers have been enrolled in the micro-pension scheme, while small businesses continue to benefit from a N200 billion MSME support fund.

He said: “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. 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.

“The administration also acknowledged that insecurity and poverty remain major obstacles to building a peaceful Nigeria where citizens can ‘sleep with their eyes closed,’ and to achieving the Decent Work Agenda as envisioned by the International Labour Organization.

“It stressed 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.

“Despite the challenges, the government assured that it is not relenting in its efforts.

“It said it is confronting the issues through deliberate, coordinated, and sustained actions, backed by targeted policies and the resilience of security personnel, some of whom have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

Addressing labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, the president called for sustained dialogue and restraint in industrial disputes.

“Strike should be the last resort, not the first,” he said, urging collaboration to achieve lasting reforms.

Tinubu also commended security forces for their role in safeguarding economic activities, noting that improved safety is directly linked to job creation and national growth.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, the president said Nigeria remains on track to overcome insecurity and reduce poverty, pledging a future where “decent work is not a privilege for a few, but a reality for all.”

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