May Day: FG targets insecurity, poverty to safeguard decent work

From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity and poverty as part of efforts to promote decent work and improve the welfare of Nigerian workers.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Dingyadi, made this known on Friday during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja, where he acknowledged the challenges confronting workers and the wider economy.

Dingyadi said the theme of this year’s May Day, “Insecurity and Poverty: The Bane of Decent Work”, reflects the realities facing workers in the country, noting that the rising cost of living and security concerns continue to impact productivity and livelihoods.

He, however, assured that the government remains committed to creating a safer and more prosperous environment for workers across the country.

According to him, the federal government is intensifying collaboration with relevant security agencies to secure workplaces, communities, and public spaces, stressing that no worker can thrive in an atmosphere of fear.

On workers’ welfare, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to wage reforms, describing the recently implemented minimum wage as a step towards ensuring fairness and dignity for workers.

He added that efforts are ongoing in partnership with labour unions and state governments to ensure full compliance with the new wage structure.

Dingyadi further disclosed that the government is investing in job-creation initiatives aimed at youth empowerment, industrial growth, and economic expansion, particularly in key sectors such as agriculture, technology, and infrastructure.

The minister also highlighted ongoing reforms by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, including the review of the National Employment Policy, the strengthening of occupational safety and health frameworks, and the development of a National Industrial Relations Policy to promote harmony in workplaces.

He further disclosed that Nigeria has taken steps to align with global labour standards, including joining the International Labour Organisation’s Global Coalition for Social Justice, a move he said would enhance the country’s labour administration system and international engagement.

Dingyadi noted that the government has also intensified efforts to eliminate child labour and update existing labour laws to reflect current global realities.

He called on all stakeholders, including labour unions and employers, to work together with the government to address the challenges of insecurity and poverty, stressing that collective action is needed to achieve sustainable progress.

The minister commended Nigerian workers for their resilience and contributions to national development, describing them as the backbone of the nation’s growth.

According to him, “The theme of this year’s celebration not only speaks directly to the realities confronting our workforce today but also resonates with the priority areas of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, particularly as they relate to national security, job creation, youth empowerment, inclusivity and food security.

“We acknowledge the weight of economic hardship, the rising cost of living, and the threats posed by insecurity. These challenges are not abstract because they affect families, communities, and the very fabric of our nation. Yet, they also remind us of the urgent responsibility we share to create a safer, fairer, and more prosperous Nigeria, which the present administration is very much committed to.

“Great Nigerian workers, let me reassure you that the Federal Government remains steadfast in its commitment to wage reforms. The recently implemented minimum wage is not the end of our journey, but a step toward ensuring that every worker earns a living wage that reflects both dignity and fairness. We are working closely with labour unions and state governments to ensure full compliance, because decent work must never be compromised at any level.”