The Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive action to curb the rising insecurity across the country and to reassess the national minimum wage in line with current economic conditions.
The NSE President, Ali Rabiu, made the appeal in Abuja during the Society’s 2026 Second Quarter Dinner and the induction of over 214 engineers as Fellows.
He expressed concern over the escalating security challenges in the country, particularly the increasing cases of abductions involving teachers, pupils, and other innocent citizens, describing the trend as unacceptable.
Rabiu stressed that the protection and welfare of citizens should remain the core responsibility of government, warning that national wellbeing must not be overshadowed by political interests.
He urged leaders to prioritise citizens’ safety and living conditions, noting that governance should focus more on addressing pressing social and economic challenges than on electoral considerations.
The NSE president also advocated for a significant upward review of the national minimum wage, stating that current economic realities have made it difficult for many workers to cope with the cost of living.
He argued that Nigeria possesses the resources and capacity to improve the welfare of its citizens if there is sufficient political will and commitment.
Rabiu further highlighted the importance of collaboration among government, professional bodies, academia, and industry stakeholders in addressing the country’s multifaceted challenges.
While reaffirming NSE’s commitment to supporting national development efforts, he urged the Federal Government to be more responsive to the needs of citizens, especially amid worsening economic conditions.
He noted that rising inflation and the increasing cost of living have placed significant pressure on households, with many Nigerians struggling to afford basic transportation due to high fuel prices.
According to him, petrol now sells at an average of about N1,350 per litre, a situation that has worsened economic hardship for individuals and businesses across the country.