President Bola Tinubu has declared insecurity and poverty as national emergencies, warning that both crises pose serious threats to jobs, productivity and Nigeria’s overall stability.
President Tinubu made the declaration at the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja, where he addressed thousands of workers and labour leaders.
Saturday PUNCH reports that across the country, the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Insecurity and Poverty: Bane of Decent Work’, resonated strongly, underscoring the dual challenges confronting Nigerian workers.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, the President said there could be no meaningful employment or economic growth in an atmosphere of fear and economic hardship.
‘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 insecurity and poverty as ‘hydra-headed challenges’, President Tinubu said the Federal Government was treating both issues with urgency due to their far-reaching impact on livelihoods and economic confidence.
He assured that his administration was implementing coordinated strategies to tackle the crises, noting that achieving the Decent Work Agenda remained a national priority aligned with global labour standards.
President Tinubu highlighted several interventions under his Renewed Hope Agenda, including the Community Protection Guards Initiative, which has recruited 45,000 young Nigerians to boost local security while creating employment.
He also said social investment programmes had expanded to reach 15 million vulnerable households, with about 7.5 million Nigerians reportedly lifted out of poverty.
On workers’ welfare, the President said his administration had implemented a new national minimum wage, cleared pension arrears and reintroduced gratuity payments from January 2026.
The President added that over 800,000 informal sector workers had been enrolled in the micro pension scheme, while small businesses were benefiting from a N200 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises support fund.
Tinubu also outlined agricultural interventions, including the National Agricultural Growth Scheme-Agro Pocket, mechanisation programmes and deployment of 10,000 Agro Rangers across 19 states to protect farmers.
Calling for industrial harmony, he urged organised labour to prioritise dialogue in resolving disputes.
‘Strike should be the last resort, not the first’, he said, while commending security personnel for their sacrifices in safeguarding the country.
Meanwhile, organised labour used the occasion to push for a significant wage review, with calls for a new minimum wage of up to N250,000 gaining traction amid worsening economic conditions.
The development came as government officials and political actors across the country reaffirmed commitments to workers’ welfare, while labour unions in some states openly backed incumbent governors ahead of the 2027 elections.
Akpabio lauds workers
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, assured Nigerian workers that the National Assembly remained committed to addressing their economic challenges through targeted legislation.
In a statement in Abuja, Akpabio acknowledged mounting hardship, including inflationary pressures and rising living costs, pledging sustained legislative interventions.
He said, ‘The 10th National Assembly recognises the challenges workers face, from rising costs of living to workplace demands.
‘I assure you that the senate remains unwavering in its commitment to legislating for a living wage, safer workplaces, pension reforms and policies that expand job creation and protect the dignity of labour’.
Akpabio added that the passage of the new National Minimum Wage Act and ongoing welfare reforms underscored the senate’s commitment to improving workers’ livelihoods.
He also called on employers across sectors to prioritise workers’ welfare, stressing that productivity is closely tied to improved working conditions.
‘Today, we celebrate teachers, farmers, healthcare workers, artisans, civil servants and all those whose daily efforts sustain our economy. You are the backbone of our democracy’, he said.
Across states, governors echoed similar commitments while highlighting measures taken to improve workers’ welfare.
Kebbi gov promises prompt salary payment
In Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris described the prevailing industrial harmony as ‘commendable’, attributing it to sustained engagement between government and labour unions.
He pledged continued commitment to prompt salary payments and improved welfare packages.
‘The government will not only ensure prompt payment of salaries, but all workers’ entitlements will be paid as and when due’, Idris said.
The governor noted that his administration had implemented a new minimum wage of N75,000, exceeding the federal benchmark of N70,000.
He also cited the recruitment of over 2,200 health workers and 2,000 teachers, alongside investments in healthcare infrastructure, including the revitalisation of 22 general hospitals, 179 primary healthcare centres and 63 dispensaries.
Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Murtala Usman, commended the governor, noting that wage reforms and prompt payment of entitlements had improved workers’ welfare and morale.
Workers’ welfare my top priority – Okpebholo
Similarly, in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo said sustained engagement with labour unions had enabled his administration to focus on development.
Addressing workers in Benin, he reaffirmed his commitment to workers’ welfare.
‘From the first day of this administration, workers’ welfare has remained a top priority. We have ensured prompt payment of salaries and sustained payment of the 13th-month salary.
‘A year ago, we approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 monthly because labour deserves a decent reward’, he said.
Ondo NLC decries poverty
In Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said his administration would not relent in prioritising the welfare of civil servants in the state.
The governor also said his government remained committed to improving workers’ welfare, strengthening security and reducing poverty across the state.
‘As we celebrate today, I can say without any fear of contradiction that we have done well for our workers in many ways. Our workers have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy cash-backed promotions as and when due. Our administration has been very consistent in the discharge of its obligations to our workers’, he said.
The state chairman of NLC in the state, Ademola Olapade, in his remarks, identified poverty as a persistent challenge in the country.
His Trade Union Congress (TUC) ounterpart, Clement Fatuwase, urged the governor to ensure the security of workers in the state.
Ekiti employs 10,000 workers
In Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji said his administration had employed about 10,000 workers in different sectors in the last three and a half years.
The governor appreciated the workers for the public expression of support during their solidarity visit to his office on Thursday, saying, ‘It is for this reason we have remained committed to the welfare of our workers through prompt and regular payment of salaries, allowances, pensions and gratuities.
‘As of Today, all promotion backlogs have been cleared up till 2025 with timely financial backing of N43.86 million per month as of December 2025’, he said.
In his address, the NLC chairman, Kolapo Olatunde, acknowledged the state government’s responsiveness to workers’ welfare demands.
On her part, the TUC Chairman, Dr Omotola Farotimi, advocated community policing, improved protection of economic hubs such as farms and markets, and quicker emergency response systems to enhance security.
Benue governor salutes workers
In Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of workers.
Represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, the governor saluted the courage, patience and commitment of workers across the country, noting that no nation could thrive without a productive and committed workforce.
‘It is on this note that I salute the courage, patience and unwavering commitment of workers across Benue, in both the public and private sectors’, he said.
Lagos NLC demands N225,000 minimum wage
Meanwhile, in Lagos State, the NLC called on the state government to increase the minimum wage for workers from N85,000 to N225,000.
The chairperson of NLC, Funmi Sessi, said the proposed increase had become necessary due to rising inflation and the high cost of living in the state.
‘Given the current 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’, the chairperson said.
Niger workers demand minimum wage implementation
In Niger State, organised labour called on Governor Mohammed Bago to implement the new minimum pension and settle pension arrears in the state.
The state chairman of NLC, Idrees Lafene, commended the government for the extension of service years for teachers, implementation of Grade Level 17 in the local government service, among others.
He, however, called for the resumption of gratuity payments in both state and local government systems, implementation of a new minimum pension and settlement of pension arrears in the state.
‘We commend the state government for the extension of service years for teachers, implementation of Grade Level 17 in the local government service, introduction of wage awards for LGA teachers to bridge the gap between the state and council workers’ salaries, among others’, Lafene said.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Yakubu Garba, at the event, reeled out his administration’s efforts to promote workers’ welfare in the state, saying the government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Ministry of Finance for a Sustainable Integrated Productive Communities Pilot Scheme.
‘With this MoU, we reaffirm that the dignity of our workers is matched by the security of a shelter they can truly call their own’, he said.
Delta NLC faults govt over non-appointment of PS
In Delta State, the organised labour faulted the state government over the continued non-appointment of substantive permanent secretaries, describing the situation as unhealthy for the state’s civil service structure.
In a joint address, the NLC chairman, Goodluck Ofobruku, and TUC chairman, Asekutu Wilson, said appointing officers merely to function in acting capacities as permanent secretaries was against established civil service tradition.
According to them, ‘When has lowering the bar become the standard? A civil service thrives when excellence is rewarded, and leadership positions are filled transparently in line with established rules’.
Speaking at the event, the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his deputy, Monday Onyeme, said the administration remained committed to strengthening the civil service and improving workers’ welfare.
He said the government was implementing measures to enhance productivity, including training programmes, recruitment and improvements in the work environment.
Labour endorses Sokoto governor
In Sokoto State, organised labour took a more political stance by endorsing Governor Ahmed Aliyu for a second term in 2027.
They commended the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage and the regular payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, describing them as major achievements.
‘You have done nothing wrong to us and have been tremendously assisting us in many ways. Therefore, nothing warrants us asking for a change of government in 2027.
‘We are happy with all that you have been doing for us. While in other states they are protesting Today, here in Sokoto, we are elated’, he said.
Responding through his deputy, Idris Gobir, the governor said the endorsement would spur the administration to do more for workers.
‘This recognition will inspire us to deepen our commitment to workers’ welfare and continue building a productive civil service’, he said.
Beyond endorsements, political parties used the occasion to urge workers to take a more active role in shaping governance.
NNPP urges workers to embrace political organisation
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) called on Nigerian workers to leverage their voting power in the 2027 general elections to elect leaders committed to improving their welfare.
In a statement, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, said workers must move beyond symbolic celebrations and assert their political influence.
‘To transform the standard of living in Nigeria, workers must move beyond mere survival and embrace political organisation.
‘We must ensure that the next crop of leaders prioritises a living wage, implements policies that reduce the cost of living and invests in social safety nets’, he said.
Johnson warned that the resilience of Nigerian workers should not be mistaken for acceptance of hardship.
‘The average Nigerian worker is navigating unprecedented inflationary pressures on food, transportation and energy. This is not sustainable’, he said.
