FG Moves to Extend Social Protection to Over 60m Informal Workers

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, says the Federal Government is set to expand social protection coverage to more than 60 million Nigerians working in the informal economy, in a bid to strengthen inclusion, safeguard livelihoods and reduce vulnerability among low-income households.

Dingyadi made the disclosure in Abuja at a two-day national dialogue on extending social protection to informal workers, noting that the government is taking concrete steps to address decades of exclusion affecting Nigerians earning a living in markets, farms, workshops and roadside enterprises.

He explained that the informal economy accounts for the majority of Nigeria’s workforce, stressing that more than 65 per cent of employed citizens operate outside formal contracts and lack basic protections such as pensions, health insurance and workplace injury compensation.

The minister added that informal workers ranging from traders and farmers to artisans, transporters, domestic workers and digital freelancers play a vital role in the nation’s economy, yet remain disproportionately exposed to risks and economic shocks.

He said the government believes every citizen deserves dignity, opportunity and safety regardless of income level or employment type, adding that ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda are aimed at closing longstanding gaps.

“Today, we are writing a new chapter in our collective effort to give dignity, inclusion and protection to over 60 million Nigerians who make up our informal economy. These are traders in open markets, farmers, fisherfolk, okada riders, tailors, caregivers, street sweepers and millions more who are too often excluded from pensions, health coverage, maternity protection and access to finance,” he said.

“Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Renewed Hope Agenda is a social contract with the Nigerian people. Social protection is not charity but a human right, and the state has a responsibility to ensure a minimum floor of protection for all. Technology-enabled systems, mobile platforms and agency networks will drive inclusion as NHIA, NSITF and micro-pension schemes expand into the informal sector,” he added.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha represented by Emmanuel Igbinosun said the dialogue reflects the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of all workers, noting that strengthening collaboration among stakeholders is critical to transforming the informal economy.