A labour expert has called for stronger enforcement of labour laws, improved wages and better protection for workers as Nigeria joins the global community to mark World Day for Decent Work.
Speaking on the significance of this year’s celebration, themed “Rising: Young Workers Organising for the Future,” the labour expert said the theme was particularly relevant to Nigeria, given the country’s high level of youth unemployment and the growing number of young people entering the labour market.
He said the situation presents significant concerns for the Nigerian economy, particularly because young people make up a substantial proportion of the country’s workforce and should be occupying strategic positions across different sectors of the economy.
According to him, decent work goes beyond simply having a job. It must include fair and commensurate pay, job security, a safe working environment, social protection and the freedom for workers to participate in unions and express their views.
He noted that workers should not be subjected to intimidation or harassment and should have access to opportunities for training and retraining to improve their skills and remain relevant in a changing labour market.
The labour expert also raised concerns about casualisation, saying some workers remain in casual or temporary employment for years without access to benefits such as pensions, gratuity and other forms of social protection.
He argued that employment cannot be considered decent where workers are denied union protection, where contracts are unclear, salaries are not paid on time, or where employees work in unsafe and unconducive environments.
On wages, he said rising inflation and the increasing cost of transportation and food have continued to erode workers’ purchasing power.
He maintained that the ₦70,000 minimum wage is gradually losing its value in the face of the rising cost of living, adding that many workers are struggling to meet basic household needs despite being employed.
The expert therefore called on both public and private-sector employers to comply with the minimum wage and other labour regulations.
He particularly urged state governments to implement the minimum wage after participating in discussions that led to its determination, stressing that employers of labour must comply with agreed standards.
He also called for greater compliance with pension regulations, noting that employers are required to make contributions to workers’ Retirement Savings Accounts.
According to him, the pension system requires contributions from both employees and employers, and failure to remit these contributions undermines workers’ financial security and preparedness for retirement.
The labour expert further urged government agencies to strengthen the enforcement of labour laws, rather than leaving the regulations merely on paper.
He cited workplace health and safety as another area requiring stronger monitoring, calling for regular inspections of factories and other workplaces to ensure compliance with safety requirements, including the provision and use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
He also referenced the Employees’ Compensation Act 2010, stressing the need to ensure that workers who suffer injuries in the course of their employment receive appropriate treatment and compensation, whether the injury is temporary or permanent.
On technology and automation, the labour expert said Nigerian workers, particularly young people, are increasingly preparing themselves for the changing demands of the labour market through skills development in areas such as artificial intelligence and digital operations.
However, he noted that the country must create more opportunities for young people to apply these skills, given the level of youth unemployment.
He encouraged workers to continuously learn, retrain and develop their skills in order to remain competitive as technology transforms different sectors of the economy.
The labour expert also called for stronger union participation in protecting workers’ rights, particularly in addressing casualisation and ensuring that existing labour laws are implemented.
He stressed that unions must be more active in holding employers and relevant authorities accountable, while ensuring that workers receive proper remuneration, job protection and the benefits provided for under existing laws.
He warned that failure to address these issues could further encourage skilled and young Nigerians to seek employment opportunities outside the country.
He therefore called for concerted action by government, employers and labour organisations to create an environment where employment provides workers with fair pay, security, dignity and adequate social protection.
