Tinubu Declares Insecurity and Poverty National Emergencies

President Bola Tinubu declared insecurity and poverty national emergencies on Friday during Nigeria's 2026 Workers' Day celebration at Eagle Square in Abuja, warning that the crises threaten jobs, productivity, and the country's stability.

Speaking through Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume to thousands of workers and labour leaders, Tinubu stated that no meaningful employment or economic growth could occur amid fear and 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. The administration views these "hydra-headed challenges" as major barriers to development and the International Labour Organization's Decent Work Agenda, which it described as a national imperative for fair wages, equal opportunities, and worker dignity.

Tinubu outlined interventions under the Renewed Hope Agenda to address the issues. On security, the Community Protection Guards Initiative has recruited 45,000 young Nigerians to bolster community protection and create jobs. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed...