The Federation of Informal Workers of Nigeria has canvassed for social protection for informal workers, noting that over 90 per cent of Nigerians are engaged in the sector.

The call was made by delegates at the 2nd Delegates Conference of the Federation of Informal Workers’ Organisations of Nigeria held recently in Lagos.

The union argued that government policies have led to the collapse of many industries in the formal sector over the years. This has led to rapid expansion of the informal sector.

The union asserts that the informal economy accounts for more than 60 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product and emphasises that informal workers should be considered as legitimate workers, just like their counterparts in the formal sector.

They emphasised governments’ bias in the application of Social Protection instruments which is focused on workers in the formal sectors of the economy.  Examples are the existing social security frameworks in Nigeria such as the National Health Insurance Scheme, the Workmen Compensation Act, and the Micro Pension Plan which practically excludes the informal workers.

The UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights on the application of Social Protection to all, Article 25 states, “Everyone, has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age, or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control. Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.”

Also, it stated that Section 16 (2) (d) of the Nigerian Constitution states “That suitable and adequate shelter, suitable and adequate food, a reasonable national minimum living wage, old age care and pensions, and unemployment, sick benefits and welfare of the disabled are provided for all citizens.”

The union stated that Nigerian government must move beyond tokenism when it comes to providing social protection for informal workers and offering relief during economic crises such as the recent COVID-19 lockdowns, removal of fuel subsidies, and significant devaluation of the naira.

“It is imperative to swiftly amend the Micro Pension Plan, introducing government contributions that complement the savings of informal workers in the Pension Fund. This will help mitigate the adverse impact of inflation on the savings of these workers in the Pension Fund,” it said.

It added that it was crucial for the Department of Social Security and Cooperative Development at the Federal Ministry of Labour and State Governments to provide significant financial and technical support for the growth of FIWON Cooperatives and the Cooperative Movement in Nigeria.

“Government social intervention programmes and support for informal workers should be directed through FIWON Cooperatives to strengthen their role in the broader Cooperative Movement,” the union added.

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