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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared insecurity and poverty as national emergencies, warning that the twin challenges pose serious threats to jobs, productivity, livelihoods, and national stability.
The President made the declaration today during the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja. He was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
President Tinubu emphasised that there cannot be decent work in an environment where workers fear for their lives, where wages are insufficient to feed families, or where insecurity disrupts economic activities such as farming, manufacturing, and trading.
“My administration has treated these hydra-headed challenges as a national emergency, bearing in mind that they affect productivity, threaten livelihoods, and undermine the confidence of both workers and employers alike,” the President stated.
He noted that insecurity and poverty remain major obstacles to building a peaceful Nigeria where citizens can live without fear and to achieving the Decent Work Agenda of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to confronting these challenges head-on through deliberate and sustained policy actions, including strengthened security measures and economic reforms aimed at creating jobs, reducing poverty, and improving the living conditions of Nigerian workers.
He urged labour unions to prioritise dialogue and partnership over industrial actions, describing strikes as a last resort, especially at a time when national unity and collective effort are needed to overcome the current difficulties.
President Tinubu commended Nigerian workers for their resilience, dedication, and invaluable contributions to national development despite the prevailing economic hardships.
He assured them that the Federal Government remains focused on creating an enabling environment for decent work, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive growth.
The celebration, which also marked a public holiday declared by the Federal Government, brought together labour leaders from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and other stakeholders.