President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has identified insecurity and poverty as major threats to jobs and national stability, as Nigeria marked the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in Abuja.
Speaking at Eagle Square through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the President said decent work cannot exist where workers live in fear or where wages cannot support families. He aligned his message with the global Decent Work Agenda promoted by the International Labour Organization.
Tinubu admitted that insecurity and poverty remain serious challenges but said his government is taking action. He highlighted the Community Protection Guards Initiative, which has recruited about 45,000 young Nigerians to help secure communities and create jobs.
The President also pointed to economic and social programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda. These include cash transfers to about 15 million vulnerable households, which he said have helped lift around 7.5 million Nigerians out of poverty. He added that major infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline have created over 600,000 jobs.
On workers’ welfare, Tinubu said the government has introduced a new minimum wage, cleared pension arrears, and resumed gratuity payments from January 2026. He also noted that more than 800,000 informal workers have joined the micro pension scheme, while small businesses are benefiting from a ₦200 billion support fund.
The President called on labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, to maintain dialogue and avoid strikes unless necessary. He assured Nigerians that his administration will continue to fight insecurity and reduce poverty, promising a future where decent work is available to all.