ABUJA — Nigeria’s principal labour federations warned on Friday that rising insecurity and poverty are undermining decent work and threatening the country’s development agenda. Speaking at the 2026 May Day celebration themed “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) called for urgent action to protect workers’ welfare.
The event, held in Abuja, highlighted the hardships faced by employees across health care, education, aviation, energy and public service. NLC President Joe Ajaero described workers as “the backbone of productivity” and said the theme reflected the “harsh realities confronting Nigerian workers” where fear and deprivation have become daily experiences.
Ajaero warned that insecurity and poverty are eroding job creation, workers’ rights and social protection systems. He linked the situation to Sustainable Development Goal 8, noting that safety, stability and inclusive growth are prerequisites for decent work. “Rising poverty is pushing millions into hardship daily, and the growing number of internally displaced persons illustrates a deepening humanitarian crisis,” he said.
The NLC leader urged the government to prioritise security, arguing that economic development cannot proceed without protection of lives and property. He also criticised weak institutions and poor governance for exacerbating citizens’ suffering.
TUC President Festus Osifo echoed the concerns, adding that insecurity deters foreign investment and limits economic growth opportunities. Osifo called for stronger institutional independence and urged the legislature and judiciary to improve transparency and accountability. He warned that thousands are being pushed into poverty each day, further destabilising the social and economic environment.
Both unions emphasised the need for coordinated, immediate measures to address insecurity, poverty and the decline in living standards. They reaffirmed labour’s commitment to defending workers’ rights and stressed that unity remains essential for national progress.
The statements come amid escalating violence in the north‑east and a widening gap between the wealthy and the poor, challenges that have already slowed Nigeria’s progress toward its development targets. Labour organisations said they will continue to engage with government officials to ensure that security and social protection are placed at the centre of policy discussions.
