President Bola Tinubu has sounded the alarm over Nigeria’s worsening security and economic conditions, declaring both insecurity and poverty as urgent national crises threatening the country’s stability and workforce.
The President made this known in a message to mark International Workers’ Day celebrations held at Eagle Square in Abuja, where he was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
He warned that rising insecurity and widespread poverty continue to undermine productivity, destroy livelihoods, and weaken public confidence in the economy.
According to Tinubu, meaningful employment cannot thrive in an environment where workers live in fear or earn wages that fail to meet basic needs.
He linked his administration’s policies to the global “Decent Work Agenda” championed by the International Labour Organisation, describing it as central to Nigeria’s development goals.
Highlighting ongoing efforts, the President said the government is combining security interventions with job creation strategies.
Social Welfare
He pointed to the Community Protection Guards Initiative, which has reportedly engaged about 45,000 young Nigerians in safeguarding communities.
On social welfare, Tinubu noted that the expanded cash transfer programme under his Renewed Hope Agenda has reached roughly 15 million vulnerable households, with millions already lifted out of poverty.
He also cited large-scale infrastructure projects—including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline—as major drivers of employment, collectively generating over 600,000 jobs nationwide.
In the agricultural sector, Tinubu said targeted programmes are boosting food production and rural employment.
Initiatives such as the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and mechanisation efforts are being supported by security measures, including the deployment of 10,000 Agro-Rangers by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps across 19 states to protect farmers and farmlands from criminal activity.
On labour matters, the President outlined steps taken to improve workers’ welfare, including the implementation of a new national minimum wage, settlement of pension backlogs, and the reintroduction of gratuity payments from January 2026.
He added that over 800,000 informal workers have been enrolled in the micro pension scheme, while small businesses are accessing support through a ₦200 billion MSME fund.
Tinubu also urged labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, to prioritise dialogue over industrial action.
The Last Resort
He emphasised that strikes should be a last resort rather than an immediate response.
He further commended security agencies for their continued sacrifices, noting that improved safety conditions are essential for economic growth and job creation.
In a separate statement, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, praised Nigerian workers as the backbone of the nation.
He described May Day as both a celebration of achievements and a reflection on ongoing challenges, particularly the rising cost of living and security concerns.
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Dingyadi reassured workers of the government’s commitment to reforms, stating that the recently introduced minimum wage is only a starting point in the broader effort to ensure fair and dignified earnings.
He added that collaboration with state governments and labour unions is ongoing to guarantee full implementation across the country.