NIGERIA: Tinubu Declares Insecurity, Poverty As National Emergency

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

President Bola Tinubu has officially declared insecurity and poverty as national emergencies, warning that both crises pose serious threats to job creation, productivity, and the overall stability of the country.

The President made the declaration on Friday during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja. He was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Tinubu stated that there can be no meaningful employment or economic growth in an atmosphere of fear and hardship. He described insecurity and poverty as “hydra-headed challenges” that have become major obstacles to national development and the realisation of the Decent Work Agenda.

The President assured Nigerians that his administration is tackling both issues with utmost urgency through coordinated and sustained interventions. He emphasised that workers cannot thrive where they fear for their lives, where wages are insufficient to feed families, or where insecurity disrupts farms, factories, and markets.

Highlighting some of the government’s efforts, Tinubu mentioned the recruitment of 45,000 young Nigerians under the Community Protection Guards Initiative to strengthen community security while creating jobs. He also pointed to the expansion of cash transfer programmes, which have reached 15 million vulnerable households and lifted an estimated 7.5 million Nigerians out of poverty.

The President noted that major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline have generated over 600,000 jobs across the country.

He added that his administration has implemented a new national minimum wage, cleared pension arrears, and reintroduced gratuity payments from January 2026.

Tinubu further disclosed that over 800,000 informal sector workers have been enrolled in the micro pension scheme, while small businesses are benefitting from a N200 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises support fund.

He also mentioned agricultural initiatives and the deployment of 10,000 Agro-Rangers to protect farmers.

Addressing leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, the President appealed for sustained dialogue in resolving industrial disputes, stressing that strike should be the last resort, not the first option.

The declaration of insecurity and poverty as national emergencies comes as the government continues to push its Renewed Hope Agenda amid widespread concerns over rising cost of living, unemployment, and persistent security challen

ges across the country.