BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday declared poverty and insecurity as national emergencies, warning that both crises pose grave threats to employment, productivity and Nigeria’s overall stability.
The President made the declaration during the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja, where he addressed thousands of workers and labour leaders.
Across the country, this year’s Workers’ Day theme, “Insecurity and Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” resonated strongly, reflecting the harsh realities confronting millions of Nigerian workers.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Tinubu said meaningful employment and economic growth could not thrive in an atmosphere of fear, hardship and uncertainty.
“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.
Describing both challenges as “hydra-headed,” Tinubu said the Federal Government was tackling them with urgency because of their devastating effects on livelihoods and national confidence.
Tinubu Lists Government Interventions
The President said his administration had launched several programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda to address insecurity, poverty and workers’ welfare.
He disclosed that the Community Protection Guards Initiative had recruited 45,000 youths to strengthen local security while creating jobs.
Tinubu also said social investment programmes had been expanded to reach 15 million vulnerable households, adding that about 7.5 million Nigerians had reportedly been lifted out of poverty.
On workers’ welfare, he noted that the government had implemented a new national minimum wage, cleared pension arrears and resumed gratuity payments from January 2026.
He further stated that over 800,000 informal sector workers had been enrolled in the micro-pension scheme, while small businesses were benefiting from a N200bn support fund for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
In agriculture, Tinubu highlighted the National Agricultural Growth Scheme-Agro Pocket, mechanisation initiatives and the deployment of 10,000 Agro Rangers across 19 states to protect farmers.
Calling for industrial peace, the President urged labour unions to embrace dialogue.
“Strike should be the last resort, not the first,” he said.
Labour Pushes for Higher Wages
Despite government assurances, organised labour used the occasion to demand a fresh wage review as inflation and living costs continue to rise.
The Nigeria Labour Congress in Lagos called on the state government to raise the minimum wage from N85,000 to N225,000.
Lagos NLC Chairperson, Funmi Sessi, said the current wage could no longer sustain workers in the state.
“Given the present economic hardship and the high cost of living in Lagos, this amount is no longer sufficient.
“We therefore respectfully appeal to the state government to review the minimum wage to N225,000 in the interest of workers and industrial harmony,” she said.
In other states, calls for wages as high as N250,000 also gained momentum.
Akpabio Assures Workers of Legislative Support
Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured workers that the National Assembly would continue to enact laws aimed at easing their economic burden.
He acknowledged the impact of inflation and rising living costs, promising reforms in pensions, workplace safety and job creation.
“The 10th National Assembly recognises the challenges workers face. We remain committed to legislating for a living wage, safer workplaces, pension reforms and policies that expand job creation,” he said.
Governors Make Promises Across States
Governors across the federation also used the celebration to reaffirm commitments to workers’ welfare.
Kebbi
Governor Nasir Idris promised prompt salary payments and said his administration had approved a N75,000 minimum wage, above the federal benchmark.
Edo
Governor Monday Okpebholo said workers’ welfare remained a top priority, noting that salaries and 13th-month payments had been sustained.
Ekiti
Governor Biodun Oyebanji said his administration had employed about 10,000 workers in the last three and a half years, while clearing promotion backlogs.
Benue
Governor Hyacinth Alia praised workers for their commitment and pledged continued support for the workforce.
Niger
Organised labour urged Governor Mohammed Bago to implement a new minimum pension and settle pension arrears.
Delta
Labour unions criticised the continued delay in appointing substantive permanent secretaries, calling it unhealthy for the civil service.
Labour Endorses Sokoto Governor for 2027
In Sokoto State, organised labour endorsed Governor Ahmed Aliyu for a second term in 2027, praising the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage and regular salary payments.
They said while workers were protesting elsewhere, labour in Sokoto remained satisfied with the governor’s performance.
NNPP Urges Workers to Use Voting Power
Meanwhile, the New Nigeria People’s Party urged Nigerian workers to use their votes strategically in the 2027 elections to elect leaders committed to workers’ welfare.
The party said workers must move beyond symbolic celebrations and demand leaders who would deliver living wages, lower costs of living and stronger social safety nets.
Rising Pressure on Government
This year’s Workers’ Day celebration reflected growing frustration among Nigerian workers battling soaring food prices, transport costs, energy bills and declining purchasing power.
While government officials highlighted achievements, labour unions insisted that without urgent wage reviews and stronger economic reforms, millions of workers would remain trapped in hardship.
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2026-04-29