President Muhammadu Buhari has described security as a big challenge
to the country and promised that his administration was poised to curb
the threat.

He made the assurance in his Workers’ Day address in Abuja where he was represented by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.

Buhari pointed out the steps taken by the Security Council aimed at
reviving the nation’s security architecture to meet the “challenges of
the mindless killings in some parts of the country, including the
threats of marauding herdsmen, cattle rustlers and bandits.”

“It is our duty to secure the rights of farmers, and all citizens and
to ensure that herders also can rear their cattle, especially as were
proposed in well-resourced ranches.”, he said.

The President observed that there were criminals trying to stoke
religious and ethnic crisis and divide the country using all manner of
excuses including the recent attacks.

“We recognise that while the protection of lives and property is a
primary responsibility of the government, it is incumbent on us as
citizens to share in this responsibility.

“It is at the end of the day a collective responsibility. This country belongs to us all,” he said,

Buhari remarked that the country “is great because of the talents of
our people from every tribe, tongue and religion. Our diversities are
our strength.

He urged Nigerians to reject every attempt to divide us, saying “our
focus must be on developing our economy, providing opportunities in
industry, in manufacturing, in technology for our young people.’’

The president said that the administration also had no choice but to
improve the business environment to make it possible for small and
medium scale businesses to work.

According to him, the administration is committed to ensuring the
reduction of interest rates so that businesses can have access to cheap
credit.

On workers welfare, he reiterated that his administration had
assisted states with more than N1.91 trillion to defray workers’ salary
arrears, adding that it also remained resolute in the increase of
workers’ salaries.

“While we do recognize that the payment of salaries and pensions is
essential, we are also conscious of the fact that the increasing cost of
living and the recognition to ensure a fair and decent living wage have
rendered the minimum wage instrument which is currently in force
obsolete.

“Although there are arguments regarding fixing minimum wage in a federation such as ours.

“It is the responsibility of government to establish the necessary
social protection for all Nigerian workers based on the ability of each
tier of government to pay.

“We believe that those who can pay above the social protection floor
are free to do so as many have been doing in many states and sectors of
the economy,” the President added.