President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared insecurity and poverty as national emergencies, describing the twin challenges as major threats to jobs, productivity, and Nigeria’s overall stability.

Speaking during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration at Eagle Square in Abuja, the President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the Federal Government was taking deliberate measures to tackle insecurity and improve the welfare of Nigerians.

Tinubu stated that insecurity and poverty continue to undermine livelihoods and economic confidence across the country, stressing that “there cannot be decent work where workers fear for their lives or where wages cannot feed a family.”

He highlighted some of the administration’s interventions, including the Community Protection Guards Initiative, which he said has created jobs for 45,000 youths, as well as major infrastructure projects that have reportedly generated over 600,000 jobs nationwide.

The President also noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda’s cash transfer programme has reached about 15 million vulnerable households, helping millions of Nigerians out of poverty.