President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to tackling insecurity and poverty, describing both challenges as critical obstacles to achieving decent work and sustainable national development.
The President made this declaration at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held on Friday at Eagle Square, Abuja, where he was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
The 2026 May Day celebration, themed “Insecurity and Poverty: The Bane of Decent Work Agenda,” drew participation from leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), government officials, and workers across various sectors.
Addressing thousands of Nigerian workers and labour leaders, Tinubu said the Federal Government recognises that insecurity and poverty remain the “bane of the decent work agenda,” stressing that no meaningful economic progress can occur in an environment plagued by fear and deprivation.
“There cannot be decent work where workers fear for their lives, or where wages cannot feed a family, and where insecurity disrupts farms, factories, markets and other economic activities,” he stated.
The President acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting that the twin challenges have persisted despite ongoing efforts, but assured Nigerians that his administration is confronting them with “deliberate, coordinated, and sustained action.”
“I must acknowledge a truth that we must not ignore; insecurity and poverty remain significant obstacles to achieving a peaceful Nigeria where citizens can sleep with their eyes closed,” he said, adding that the Decent Work Agenda is not just a global framework but “a national imperative.”
Tinubu highlighted key interventions under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, linking security and job creation as mutually reinforcing priorities.
He pointed to the Community Protection Guards Initiative, which he said has recruited and trained 45,000 young Nigerians to support local security architecture while also providing employment.
“This is a clear indication that we are creating decent jobs, against the backdrop and recognition that security and employment must go hand in hand,” he noted.
On economic inclusion and poverty reduction, the President disclosed that the revamped National Social Investment Programme has been scaled up to reach 15 million vulnerable households, with biometric verification ensuring transparency and accountability.
“Through this intervention, an estimated 7.5 million Nigerians have been lifted above the poverty line,” he said.
He also cited ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline, which he said have collectively generated over 600,000 jobs for Nigerian workers.
“These are decent jobs with pension and health insurance coverage, ensuring social protection for our workers,” Tinubu added.
The President further revealed that over 100,000 commercial vehicles have been converted under the Presidential CNG Initiative, reducing transportation costs for workers by about 40 percent, while a N200 billion MSME intervention fund has supported over one million small businesses.
On workers’ welfare, Tinubu said his administration has implemented the new national minimum wage and ensured compliance across federal institutions, while also restoring gratuity payments effective January 2026.
“To you our dear workers, I say this clearly; your welfare remains a priority. We are committed to improving working conditions, promoting fair wages, and ensuring dignity, safety and equal opportunity in the workplace,” he assured.
He also underscored efforts to extend social protection to the informal sector, noting that over 800,000 artisans and traders have been enrolled in the PENCOM Micro Pension Plan.
Calling for sustained collaboration, the President urged organised labour to remain constructive partners in national development, emphasising dialogue over industrial action.
“Strike should be the last resort, not the first. When we sit at the table, Nigerian workers win,” he said.
Tinubu further charged employers to uphold fair labour practices, including respect for collective bargaining agreements, while assuring that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment would continue to enforce compliance with international labour standards.
He concluded with a message of hope and determination, reiterating his administration’s resolve to build a more secure and prosperous nation.
“This government is resolute. We are committed to overcoming insecurity. We are determined to defeat poverty. Together, we will build a safer and more prosperous Nigeria,” he declared.