The Federation of Informal Workers Organisations of Nigeria (FIWON) has urged the Federal Government to urgently implement comprehensive social protection programmes for the over 93 per cent of the country's workforce operating in the informal economy. This call was made as Nigerian workers joined their global counterparts to mark International Workers' Day.
FIWON's Statement on Workers' Day
In a statement signed by Bolaji Saadu, President, and Gbenga Komolafe, General Secretary, FIWON emphasized that the celebration rings hollow for millions of working people in informal employment who continue to face staggering inequality, poverty, and structural exclusion from social protection schemes.
“Informal workers, including traders, artisans, home workers, garment makers, construction workers, farmers and food processors, domestic workers, mechanics, transporters, waste pickers, and vendors, make up over 93 per cent of Nigeria’s active workforce and contribute at least 65 per cent to the national GDP. Yet, these critical contributors to the nation’s economy remain largely excluded from social protection schemes such as pensions, healthcare, and workplace safety coverage, while existing social protection schemes remain largely symbolic, with ridiculously low coverage of those in desperate need of support,” the statement read.
Call for Matching Contributions
FIWON highlighted that, while a micro-pension scheme exists under the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), it has not yielded meaningful benefits for informal workers due to low contributions and inflation rapidly eroding whatever savings are made.
“We therefore reiterate our demand for a matching contribution system where government complements the pension savings of informal workers—a 50:50 co-contribution model similar to what obtains in the formal sector. This would make pension contributions more attractive and sustainable for low-income earners. Currently, an informal worker must save entirely from their meagre, irregular income. With inflation at record highs, those savings become worthless before retirement. We demand that the government co-contribute to informal workers’ pensions. This is not a privilege; it is basic fairness,” FIWON stated.
Demand for Concrete Action
FIWON called on governments at all levels to take immediate action to address the plight of informal workers. “The Federal Government has declared May 1 a public holiday and commended workers for their dedication. But workers do not need platitudes—they need action. They need social protection. They need dignity. This Workers’ Day, we call on the government to move beyond rhetoric and implement concrete measures that will improve the lives of the over 90% of Nigerian workers who keep this nation running. The time for tokenism is over. The time for real social protection is now!” the statement added.
FIWON urged all informal workers across Nigeria to use the occasion of Workers' Day to reflect on their collective power and to continue the struggle for recognition, protection, and dignity.
