Tinubu raises alarm on insecurity, poverty as NLC demands N225,000 wage
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described insecurity and poverty as major threats to jobs, productivity and national stability, as organised labour demanded a significant increase in the minimum wage.
Tinubu made the remarks at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja, where thousands of workers and labour leaders gathered.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the president said decent work could not thrive in an environment plagued by 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 and markets,” he said.
Tinubu described insecurity and poverty as “hydra-headed challenges,” noting that the Federal Government was addressing them with urgency through coordinated strategies.
He highlighted interventions under his administration, including the recruitment of 45,000 youths under the Community Protection Guards initiative and expansion of social investment programmes to support vulnerable households.
The president also said reforms in workers’ welfare included implementation of a new national minimum wage, clearance of pension arrears and reintroduction of gratuity payments from January 2026.
He 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 support fund.
Tinubu called for industrial harmony, urging labour unions to adopt dialogue in resolving disputes.
“Strike should be the last resort, not the first,” he said.
Meanwhile, organised labour, led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), used the occasion to press for a wage review, with demands in some states rising to N225,000 due to inflation and rising cost of living.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, assured workers of the National Assembly’s commitment to addressing economic challenges through legislation.
He said the legislature would continue to support policies promoting a living wage, safer workplaces and job creation.
Across states, governors reaffirmed commitments to workers’ welfare through measures such as salary reviews, recruitment and improved working conditions.
In Lagos State, labour leaders called for an increase in the minimum wage to N225,000, citing economic realities, while in other states, governments highlighted efforts in prompt salary payments, pension reforms and employment generation.
The 2026 Workers’ Day theme, “Insecurity and Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” dominated discussions nationwide, reflecting concerns over the impact of both challenges on Nigeria’s workforce and economy.
