The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has demanded that the government take concrete measures to protect workers in the informal economy from harassment and exploitation, which it says has reached alarming levels.
Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), made a passionate appeal on Wednesday in Abuja, urging the government to prioritize workers’ welfare, during the 2024 Workers’ Day celebration, themed “People First”.
Osifo highlighted that the informal sector’s precarious legal status leaves its workers susceptible to mistreatment and exploitation, despite the sector’s substantial impact on Nigeria’s economy.
“The level of harassment and intimidation of the workforce here is heart wrenching yet the workers remain resourceful and resilient.
“The level of exploitation and outright extortion is deep and leaves the soul weeping.
“The toiling and exasperation and the violence meted out on them by operatives of the government is better left to imagination.
“It is like all hawks in government descend on them daily for what they call revenue generation,” he said.
The labour leader added: “They bear the brunt of government operatives, yet efforts are not made to address their basic needs.
“We, therefore call on the government at all levels especially those at the state and local governments to immediately check the over- taxation through multiple levies imposed on the men and women who eke out their living within the informal economy.
“The drive for increasing internally generated revenue should not be a burden borne solely by the exploited masses whose businesses thrive in the informal economy”.
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Osifo said that addressing the needs of Nigeria’s informal economy is crucial to inclusive growth and sustainable development.
He said deliberate policies should be made to formalise and integrate informal enterprises, providing legal recognition, access to financial services and social protection.
The labour leader added that gender-specific interventions were also essential to tackle challenges faced by women, such as, gender based violence and unequal pay .
He added that empowering the informal workforce would unlock their potential as drivers of economic growth, fostering a more equitable and prosperous future in Nigeria.
Osifo has called on lawmakers to expedite the passage of the National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC) bill, paving the way for enhanced funding of research projects in Nigeria, a move that could spur innovation and economic growth.
Osifo emphasized that the call for improved research funding is crucial because research is the cornerstone of any nation’s progress, driving innovation, economic growth, and social advancement.
“The gross underdevelopment of Nigeria despite the abundance of natural resources is attributable to negligence of research development and innovation by successive governments.
“We demand for the implementation of the science, technology and innovation policy and its provisions for the NRIC for improved funding of research.
“We call on the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the NRIC bill and for the President Bola Tinubu to give assent thereafter.
He pointed out that investing in research, development, and innovation is a proven formula for national transformation, leading to job creation, poverty reduction, food sustainability, economic diversification, and reduced dependence on imported goods, among various benefits.