President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday said his administration is treating insecurity and poverty as national emergencies, warning that the twin challenges pose grave threats to livelihoods, productivity and national stability.
Tinubu, who spoke through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at Eagle Square, said the government had prioritised urgent interventions under its Renewed Hope Agenda to tackle the crises.
He stressed that decent work cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and economic hardship, noting that insecurity and poor wages continue to disrupt economic activities across farms, factories and markets.
“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,” he said.
The President described insecurity and poverty as “hydra-headed challenges” undermining workers’ confidence and employers’ capacity, aligning his position with the decent work framework of the International Labour Organization.
Highlighting steps taken so far, Tinubu disclosed that no fewer than 45,000 young Nigerians had been recruited into the community protection guards initiative to strengthen grassroots security while also addressing unemployment.
He also urged organised labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, to prioritise dialogue over industrial action, advising that strikes should be adopted only as a last resort.
The President commended security agencies for their efforts in combating threats nationwide and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare through fair wages, safe working conditions, and equal opportunities.
Tinubu added that his government would continue to pursue policies aimed at restoring dignity to labour while ensuring sustainable economic growth amid prevailing challenges.
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