The Federation of Informal Workers Organisations of Nigeria (FIWON) has called for a major reform of the country’s social security system, insisting on a 50:50 pension co-contribution arrangement to address the exclusion of millions of informal workers from basic welfare protection.
In a Workers’ Day statement released on Thursday, April 30, the group expressed concern that over 93% of Nigeria’s workforce—made up of traders, artisans, farmers, transport workers, domestic workers, and others—remains outside formal social protection systems despite contributing significantly to the economy.
FIWON stated that informal workers account for more than 65% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, yet continue to operate without access to pensions, healthcare, workplace safety, or meaningful government support.
While acknowledging the public holiday set aside for Workers’ Day, the organisation said the celebration holds little value for those facing daily economic hardship, insecurity, and systemic neglect.
The group criticised existing pension arrangements for informal workers, especially the micro-pension scheme, describing it as ineffective due to low earnings and inflation, which it said quickly erodes savings before retirement.
To address this, FIWON proposed a 50:50 pension model where government matches contributions made by informal workers, similar to the structure available in the formal sector.
On healthcare, the organisation described medical services as increasingly unaffordable for informal workers and faulted the implementation of national health funding programmes, accusing some state governments of poor commitment to their obligations.
It also argued that the current health insurance system places an unfair burden on low-income earners and called for expanded access to subsidised or free healthcare for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
FIWON further raised concerns over unsafe working conditions faced by informal workers, noting that many who suffer injuries or deaths in the course of their work receive no compensation due to lack of legal coverage.
The organisation warned that continued exclusion of such a large segment of the workforce poses risks to social stability and national development.
It also accused some government agencies and security operatives of harassment and criminalisation of informal workers, calling for an end to such practices and for greater inclusion of workers in policy decisions affecting their livelihoods.
FIWON concluded by urging both federal and state governments to urgently implement comprehensive social protection systems and move beyond symbolic gestures toward meaningful reforms.
