Breaking: Bola Ahmed Tinubu Declares National Emergency Over Rising Insecurity And Poverty

The President made the declaration in his May Day goodwill message delivered at Eagle Square, Abuja, where he was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

He noted that insecurity and poverty continue to weaken livelihoods and reduce public confidence in the economy, stressing that decent work cannot exist where citizens live in fear or earn wages that cannot sustain their families.

Tinubu aligned his message with the International Labour Organisation’s Decent Work Agenda, describing it not just as a global framework but as a key part of his administration’s vision for national development, fair wages, and expanded opportunities.

He said his government has already taken steps to address insecurity while expanding job creation initiatives. According to him, the Community Protection Guards programme has created jobs for about 45,000 young Nigerians to support community security.

He also highlighted the expanded cash transfer programme under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said has reached around 15 million vulnerable households and lifted millions out of poverty.

The President further stated that ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline have generated over 600,000 jobs nationwide.

Tinubu added that agricultural and social intervention programmes—including dry season farming, mechanisation, and post-harvest support—are boosting food security and rural employment. He also disclosed that Agro-Rangers deployed across 19 states are helping protect farmers from insecurity.

On workers’ welfare, he said the administration has introduced a new national minimum wage, cleared pension arrears, and resumed gratuity payments effective from January 2026. He added that over 800,000 informal sector workers have joined the micro pension scheme, while small businesses are benefiting from a ₦200 billion support fund.

He urged labour unions to prioritise dialogue over strikes, saying industrial action should remain a last resort.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, described Nigerian workers as the backbone of the nation and acknowledged ongoing economic and security challenges while reaffirming the government’s commitment to wage reforms and job creation.

He said the new minimum wage is a step toward ensuring fair and dignified earnings for workers, with efforts ongoing to ensure compliance across all levels of government.