Informal workers under the aegis of the Federation of Informal Workers Organisations of Nigeria (FIWON) staged a protest at the National Assembly, demanding reforms of the pension and health sub-sectors.

The General Secretary of FIWON, Gbenga Komolafe, who led the protest, said over 93 per cent of Nigeria’s workforce operates outside formal employment and contributes an estimated 65 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

He explained that such workers deserve social protection who are presently underserved.

Komolafe warned that the country risks deepening poverty, inequality, and insecurity if urgent steps are not taken to provide pension coverage, healthcare access, and workplace protection for informal workers.

He argued that Nigeria structurally neglects the majority of Nigeria’s working population, which includes market women, artisans, traders, domestic workers, and technicians.

He added that despite workers in the informal sector contributing hugely to Nigeria’s economy, they lack access to old-age security, which leaves many to face retirement without savings or institutional support.

He called for a government-backed matching pension scheme, which would complement contributions made under the micro-pension framework regulated by the National Pension Commission.

He noted that the voluntary nature of the scheme, combined with persistent inflationary pressures, has rendered it ineffective.

“Whatever is saved risks today becoming worthless in the next 10 to 15 years due to inflation. Without government support, the system cannot work for low-income earners,” he said.

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