Informal Sector Workers Stage Protest at National Assembly, Demand Urgent Reforms
Workers from the informal sector, organized under the Federation of Informal Workers Organisations of Nigeria (FIWON), held a significant protest at the National Assembly to advocate for critical reforms in the pension and health sub-sectors. The demonstration highlighted the pressing need for social protection measures for a vast segment of Nigeria's labor force.
Key Demands and Economic Contributions
Led by General Secretary Gbenga Komolafe, the protesters emphasized that over 93 percent of Nigeria's workforce operates outside formal employment, yet contributes an estimated 65 percent to the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Komolafe argued that these workers, including market women, artisans, traders, domestic workers, and technicians, are structurally neglected and deserve better social safeguards.
He warned that without immediate action, Nigeria risks exacerbating poverty, inequality, and insecurity. The lack of pension coverage, healthcare access, and workplace protection leaves many informal workers vulnerable, especially in retirement, where they often face financial hardship without savings or institutional support.
Proposed Solutions for Pension and Health Reforms
Komolafe called for a government-backed matching pension scheme to complement contributions under the micro-pension framework regulated by the National Pension Commission. He criticized the current voluntary scheme as ineffective due to inflationary pressures, stating, "Whatever is saved risks today becoming worthless in the next 10 to 15 years due to inflation. Without government support, the system cannot work for low-income earners."
On health reforms, he advocated for state-supported health insurance contributions, noting that most informal workers cannot afford premiums under existing Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) arrangements. Despite two decades since the introduction of health insurance in Nigeria, coverage remains below 10 percent, primarily benefiting formal sector workers.
To address this gap, Komolafe urged the government to introduce free and comprehensive healthcare for vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, children under five, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. He stressed that expanding access to maternal and child healthcare is crucial for reducing Nigeria's high rates of maternal and infant mortality.
Additional Calls for Social Protection
FIWON also demanded the introduction of a universal social pension for citizens aged 65 and above, particularly those unable to work due to old age. While acknowledging the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Komolafe faulted the exclusion of informal sector workers under the Employee Compensation Act 2010.
He lamented that many victims of occupational accidents are left without rehabilitation or compensation, urging the NSITF to expand its mandate to include informal workers through targeted occupational health and safety training and access to compensation schemes.
The protest underscores the urgent need for policy changes to ensure social justice and economic stability for Nigeria's informal workforce, who play a vital role in the nation's economy.
