President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared insecurity and poverty as national emergencies, warning that both pose serious threats to jobs, productivity and the country’s stability.

The President, at the Eagle Square in Abuja during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration, said that decent work cannot exist where workers live in fear or where wages are insufficient to meet basic needs. His remarks align with the global May Day focus on the Decent Work Agenda of Workers.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the President acknowledged that insecurity and poverty remain major obstacles, but assured that his administration is addressing them with urgency.

He cited the Community Protection Guards Initiative, which has recruited 45,000 young Nigerians to strengthen community security while creating employment.

The President also highlighted key economic interventions under his Renewed Hope Agenda, including expanded cash transfers to 15 million vulnerable households, with about 7.5 million Nigerians reportedly lifted out of poverty.

Leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, in a joint address, warned of possible mass action if economic conditions fail to improve.

Other union leaders also urged the government to urgently address poverty and strengthen workers’ welfare to ease the impact of economic hardship and curb insecurity nationwide.