Tinubu Declares Poverty, Insecurity National Emergencies

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu Declares Poverty, Insecurity National Emergencies

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally declared poverty and insecurity as national emergencies, warning that both challenges now pose serious threats to Nigeria’s stability, economic growth and social development.

The President made the declaration during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration at Eagle Square, Abuja, in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. He said Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful progress if citizens continue to face insecurity, unemployment and worsening living conditions, stressing that economic hardship and insecurity are directly undermining productivity across key sectors.

According to him, “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 added that the Federal Government now treats both poverty and insecurity as national emergencies due to their impact on livelihoods, investor confidence and national development.

On security response, the administration said it has expanded its efforts through the Community Protection Guards Initiative, under which about 45,000 young Nigerians have been mobilised to support grassroots security operations. The government explained that the initiative is designed to strengthen local intelligence gathering, improve response to threats, and assist conventional security agencies in tackling banditry, kidnapping and rural violence. It added that the strategy forms part of wider reforms aimed at restoring safety in farming communities and major transport routes affected by insecurity.

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On social welfare, Tinubu referenced ongoing interventions under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stating that the government has expanded its cash transfer scheme to 15 million households nationwide. According to the Presidency, the programme is aimed at cushioning the impact of inflation and reducing extreme poverty, with projections that about 7.5 million Nigerians could be lifted out of severe hardship. The administration also highlighted additional measures such as small business support schemes, micro-credit facilities and financial inclusion programmes targeted at vulnerable households and informal workers.

On infrastructure and job creation, the President pointed to major projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline as key drivers of economic recovery. He said ongoing infrastructure investments have generated an estimated 600,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly, across construction, logistics and allied sectors. Tinubu added that improved infrastructure remains essential for attracting investment, boosting productivity and strengthening industrial growth.

On labour and welfare reforms, the President confirmed that the new national minimum wage is being implemented across government institutions, alongside efforts to clear outstanding pension arrears owed to retirees. He also announced the reintroduction of gratuity payments for public servants, which commenced in January 2026 as part of pension reforms. In addition, over 800,000 informal sector workers have been enrolled into micro-pension schemes, while a ₦200 billion MSME support fund has been deployed to strengthen small businesses nationwide.

On agriculture and food security, the government said about 10,000 Agro-Rangers have been deployed under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to protect farmers in 19 states affected by insecurity. The initiative is being supported by financing from the Bank of Agriculture and mechanisation programmes aimed at increasing food production and reducing import dependence. Officials said the goal is to stabilise food supply chains disrupted by insecurity and improve rural livelihoods.

On industrial relations, Tinubu urged dialogue with organised labour, noting concerns raised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) over inflation and hardship. He called on labour leaders to prioritise negotiation over strikes, stressing that industrial action should remain a last resort. The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving working conditions and ensuring fair wages, dignity and workplace safety for Nigerian workers.

The Presidency maintained that the declaration of poverty and insecurity as national emergencies reflects a renewed commitment to reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and improving citizens’ welfare. It added that the combination of security interventions, social protection programmes and infrastructure development is intended to reposition Nigeria for long-term sustainable growth.