The Federation of Informal Workers’ Organisations of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to urgently expand social protection programmes for millions of Nigerians working in the informal sector, warning that rising poverty and inequality have left many workers without pensions, healthcare, or workplace protection.
In a statement released ahead of the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration, the organisation said over 93 per cent of Nigeria’s workforce operates within the informal economy but remains largely excluded from government welfare and social security schemes.
The statement, signed by Gbenga Komolafe and Bolaji Saadu, noted that although Workers’ Day is intended to celebrate the contributions of workers, millions of informal workers continue to struggle with inflation, rising living costs, and lack of economic support.
According to the group, workers such as traders, artisans, transport operators, mechanics, domestic workers, farmers, garment makers, waste pickers, and food processors contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy but still face exclusion from pension systems, healthcare coverage, and compensation programmes.
FIWON criticised the micro-pension scheme managed by the National Pension Commission, arguing that inflation has weakened the value of savings made by low-income earners through irregular contributions.
The organisation proposed a government-backed co-contribution arrangement where authorities would match pension contributions made by informal workers on a 50:50 basis to improve retirement security.
The group also called for subsidised healthcare and free medical coverage for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children under five, elderly citizens, and persons living with disabilities.
FIWON accused several state governments of failing to properly implement the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and said the programme remains ineffective in many parts of the country.
In addition, the organisation demanded that workplace protection laws, including the Employees’ Compensation Act, be extended to cover informal sector workers who currently receive little or no compensation for injuries, disability, or death sustained while working.
The group further raised concerns over unsafe working conditions and alleged harassment faced by informal workers from task forces, police officers, and local authorities across the country.
FIWON warned that continued exclusion of informal workers from social welfare protections could deepen inequality and threaten economic stability, urging governments at all levels to include informal workers in policy discussions related to taxation, social protection, and urban planning.
