By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
President Bola Tinubu has described insecurity and poverty as “hydra-headed challenges” and vowed to tackle them as national emergencies.
Tinubu noted that both crises pose serious threats to jobs, productivity, and Nigeria’s overall stability, adding that they are obstacles to achieving the Decent Work Agenda of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
The president stated this during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja, on Friday, May 1.
Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said there could be no meaningful employment or economic growth in an atmosphere of fear and hardship.
According to a statement by the SGF’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, Tinubu acknowledged that insecurity and poverty pose challenges to national development.
He, however, assured that his administration is tackling both challenges with urgency through coordinated and sustained actions.
The statement read, “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 Organisation.
“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.”
Tinubu cited the Community Protection Guards Initiative, which he said has recruited 45,000 young Nigerians to strengthen community security while creating jobs.
He also highlighted economic and social interventions under his Renewed Hope Agenda, including expanded cash transfer programmes reaching 15 million vulnerable households and lifting an estimated 7.5 million Nigerians out of poverty.
On workers’ welfare, the President said his administration had implemented a new national minimum wage, cleared pension arrears, and reintroduced gratuity payments from January 2026.
He added 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 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises support fund.
Tinubu further stressed that achieving the Decent Work Agenda was both a global commitment and a national necessity, aimed at ensuring fair wages, equal opportunities, and dignity for all workers.
The President said the government had adopted a multi-dimensional approach to tackling poverty, focusing on job creation, economic diversification, and social protection.
Addressing organised labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, the President called for sustained dialogue and restraint in resolving industrial disputes.
He commended security personnel for their sacrifices in safeguarding the country and reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and economic stability.
Tinubu expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its challenges, assuring that efforts were ongoing to build a nation where decent work is accessible to all.
“We are committed to improving working conditions, promoting fair wages and ensuring that every Nigerian worker enjoys dignity, safety and equal opportunity in the workplace,” he added.
