Tinubu Declares National Emergency on Insecurity, Poverty

On May 1, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a national emergency on insecurity and poverty during his address at Eagle Square, Abuja, coinciding with International Workers' Day. He warned that these challenges pose serious threats to job creation and economic stability.

Tinubu stated that decent work cannot flourish in an atmosphere of fear and widespread hardship. His administration aims to tackle these twin challenges through coordinated security and economic interventions.

He disclosed that the federal government has launched initiatives to recruit 45,000 young Nigerians to strengthen grassroots security and create employment opportunities. Additionally, a cash transfer program is set to benefit 15 million vulnerable households, with 7.5 million Nigerians reportedly lifted out of poverty.

Tinubu highlighted major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline, which are expected to create 600,000 jobs. He also announced the implementation of a new national minimum wage and the resumption of gratuity payments in January 2026.