Informal workers demand 50:50 pension co-contribution

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

The Federation of Informal Workers Organisations of Nigeria, FIWON,  has called on the Federal Government to introduce a 50:50 pension co-contribution scheme for informal workers as part of urgent measures to strengthen social protection for millions of Nigerians operating outside the formal sector.

In a statement , FIWON said more than 93 per cent of Nigeria’s workforce remains trapped in the informal economy without access to pensions, healthcare, workplace insurance, or other social safety nets despite contributing significantly to the nation’s economy.

In the statement by FIWON General Secretary, Gbenga Komolafe, and President, Bolaji Saadu, the organisation, listed traders, artisans, home workers, garment makers, construction workers, farmers, food processors, mechanics, transport workers, waste pickers, domestic workers, and vendors among those affected by the lack of adequate welfare protection.

The group criticised the existing micro-pension scheme managed by the National Pension Commission, PenCom, saying it has failed to provide meaningful benefits for informal workers because of low earnings and the impact of inflation on savings.

It therefore demanded a government-backed matching contribution arrangement under which government would contribute an equal amount to the pension savings of informal workers.

“We 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,” the statement said. FIWON argued that many informal workers survive on irregular and meagre incomes, making it difficult for them to build sustainable retirement savings without government intervention.

The organisation also renewed its demand for subsidised healthcare and free health insurance coverage for vulnerable Nigerians, including pregnant women, children under five years, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

According to FIWON, the current healthcare system has effectively excluded most informal workers because they cannot afford health insurance premiums, while the Basic Health Care Provision Fund remains poorly implemented in many states.

The group further called for the extension of the Employees’ Compensation Act to informal workers to ensure compensation for workplace injuries, disabilities, and deaths.

It lamented that many informal workers face daily hazards without legal protection or compensation, citing cases of assault, abuse, hazardous working conditions, and forced evictions by government taskforces and security agencies.

FIWON also demanded the inclusion of informal workers in policy discussions relating to taxation, urban planning, and social protection reforms.

The organisation urged governments at all levels to move beyond ceremonial speeches and implement concrete policies that would improve the welfare and dignity of Nigerian workers.

“The time for tokenism is over. The time for real social protection is now,” the group stated.

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المصدر: Vanguard (NG)