The federal government and Abia government have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding social protection for informal economy workers through inclusive policies and stronger social dialogue.
The commitment was reaffirmed at a Social Dialogue Engagement on Extending Social Protection to Workers in the Informal Economy, held in Abia.
The event brought together relevant stakeholders to discuss ways of improving social security access for informal sector workers, according to a statement on Tuesday.
Governor Alex Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to policies that protect workers, improve livelihoods and expand social security access.
Mr Otti said informal sector workers contributed significantly to economic activities. He said they deserved adequate social protection, regardless of their employment arrangements or exclusion from conventional formal employment structures.
According to him, access to healthcare, pensions, maternity protection, occupational safety and other essential benefits remained fundamental to decent work.
The Abia governor described these provisions as critical to inclusive economic development and improved workers’ welfare.
Mr Otti assured stakeholders of the state’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government and International Labour Organisation. He said the partnership would help establish sustainable social protection mechanisms for informal economy workers.
Labour minister Muhammad Dingyadi described extending social protection to informal workers as a Federal Government labour policy priority. Mr Dingyadi said informal workers contributed significantly to national productivity and economic growth. He, however, noted that millions remained vulnerable to economic shocks, occupational hazards, inadequate healthcare and limited retirement security.
The minister said the federal government would collaborate with the ILO and state governments to promote inclusive social protection systems. He identified policy reforms and effective implementation strategies as essential to achieving the objective.
Mr Dingyadi described social dialogue as critical to building consensus, strengthening trust and ensuring stakeholders participated actively in policy development. He urged participants to develop practical recommendations to expand access to social protection for women, youths, artisans, traders, and agricultural workers.
He also acknowledged the ILO’s technical expertise and continued support for decent work, social security and inclusive labour governance in Nigeria.
The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring no category of Nigerian workers was excluded from social protection.
Vanessa Phala, ILO country director for Nigeria, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting federal and state governments. She said the support would strengthen social protection systems and advance decent work principles across the country.
Ms Phala described social protection as essential to reducing poverty, promoting social justice and improving workers’ welfare. She also said it was important for building resilient economies.
She called for stronger institutional frameworks, sustainable financing, public awareness and effective coordination among relevant stakeholders.
(NAN)
