The Federation of Informal Workers’ Organizations of Nigeria (FIWON) has intensified its advocacy for a more inclusive and worker-centred social protection system by actively participating in the National Validation Meeting of the Revised National Social Protection Policy (NSPP) 2026–2030. The validation exercise was convened by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, with technical and financial support from UNICEF and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
FIWON's Role in the Validation Process
FIWON’s participation in the validation process was the culmination of sustained advocacy and campaigns carried out over the years, with support from the Citizens Coalition for Social Protection (CCSP), to ensure that the voices and concerns of informal economy workers are reflected in the final draft of the National Social Protection Policy. Speaking during the validation meeting, FIWON General Secretary, Comrade Gbenga Komolafe emphasized the urgent need for the policy document to contain stronger commitments on social insurance, social pensions, and labour market interventions that directly benefit workers in the informal economy.
Call for Government Contributions to Health Insurance
“In truth, most people are not covered by health insurance. Government should take greater responsibility by contributing up to 50 per cent of the cost of informal sector health insurance schemes in order to guarantee wider access to quality healthcare services,” he stated. On social pensions, he argued that deliberate efforts must be made to encourage and incentivize informal economy workers to save towards old age, noting that millions of workers currently face the prospect of entering old age without any form of income security.
Labour Market Policies for a Digital Economy
He further stressed the need for labour market policies that prepare workers for the changing world of work. “Government must support workers to acquire new, technology-driven skills that will enable them to remain relevant and productive in an increasingly digital economy,” he added. The FIWON General Secretary also strongly advocated for the inclusion of trade unions within the governance architecture of the policy, particularly in the Social Protection Governance Technical Working Group.
Inclusion of Trade Unions in Governance
“It is important to include both formal and informal trade unions in the implementation structures of the National Social Protection Policy. Workers are central stakeholders in social protection, and their organizations must have a seat at the table to ensure effective implementation, accountability, and sustainability,” he said. FIWON noted that the revised National Social Protection Policy presents a significant opportunity for Nigeria to build a comprehensive and inclusive social protection system that leaves no one behind, particularly the millions of workers operating within the informal economy who remain vulnerable to economic shocks, health emergencies, unemployment, and old-age poverty.
Commitment to Universal Social Protection
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with government institutions, development partners, labour organizations, and civil society actors to advance universal social protection that guarantees dignity, social security, and decent livelihoods for all Nigerians. The National Social Protection Policy (2026–2030) is expected to provide a strategic framework for expanding access to social protection programmes, reducing poverty and inequality, strengthening social insurance systems, and promoting resilient and inclusive economic development across Nigeria.
