The Federal Government has pledged renewed efforts to improve workers’ welfare, tackle insecurity and reduce poverty, saying ongoing reforms are already delivering jobs and expanding social protection across the country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said the administration remains committed to ensuring fair wages, decent work conditions and inclusive economic growth.
He praised Nigerian workers for their contribution to national development and acknowledged the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria for promoting dialogue on labour issues.
The president said insecurity and poverty remain major obstacles to national progress, describing them as key challenges the government is treating as a national emergency.
“There cannot be decent work where workers fear for their lives or where wages cannot feed a family,” he said in a statement read on his behalf.
He said the administration has launched initiatives aimed at improving security and creating jobs, including a community protection programme that has reportedly recruited about 45,000 young Nigerians to support local security operations.
The government also cited wage reforms introduced in 2024, saying no federal worker currently earns below the national minimum wage, while discussions continue with state governments to ensure full compliance.
Officials highlighted social investment programmes, including expanded cash transfers to vulnerable households and support for small businesses, as part of efforts to reduce poverty.
The administration also pointed to infrastructure and energy projects it says have created more than 600,000 jobs, alongside transport subsidy measures aimed at lowering commuting costs.
The president urged continued collaboration with labour unions, stressing that dialogue remains essential in resolving industrial disputes and improving working conditions.
He reaffirmed the government’s goal of building a “safer and more prosperous nation” where decent work is widely accessible to Nigerians.
