In a call to action aimed at safeguarding workers in Nigeria’s informal sector, award-winning journalist and investigative reporter, Mrs. Sharon Ijasan, has urged the Federal Government and organised labour to ensure the protection of workers as the digital economy continues to expand.
Ijasan, a recipient of the prestigious Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting, made this appeal during the launch of her book, The Future of Work: Is the Tripartite Body in Africa Ready for the Digital Economy? in Abuja on Monday.
As a seasoned labour correspondent for TVC, Ijasan has garnered a reputation for her incisive reporting and deep understanding of labour dynamics in Nigeria. She has received numerous accolades over her decade-long career covering labour issues, and this latest book reflects her profound insights into the future of work, particularly within the context of Africa’s evolving digital landscape.
At the book launch, Ijasan highlighted the growing importance of the digital economy in reshaping the future of work, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa and the world. She noted that the rapid shift towards digital platforms has created new jobs and work models, many of which fall outside the traditional frameworks of labour relations and regulations.
“The world of work is growing and dynamic in nature,” Ijasan stated. “There are emerging jobs that are new to the previous work structure we have, and as a result, the terms and conditions of service are not adequately defined.” She emphasised the need for young people to organize and advocate for proper safety nets and social protections as they navigate the complexities of the modern workforce.
According to her, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of hybrid and platform-based work models. This shift has been particularly pronounced in Nigeria and across Africa, where workers have increasingly embraced remote and flexible work arrangements. However, despite the growing prevalence of these jobs, many workers in the informal sector still lack the protections and benefits traditionally associated with formal employment.
“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, jobs in the platform economy have become more popular,” she explained. “But for this sector to truly thrive, we must ensure that it offers decent work opportunities that provide protections similar to those in the formal sector.”
Her book, The Tripartite: Understanding the Interplay Between Workers, Employers, and Government, delves into the complex dynamics of labour relations in the digital age. It explores how the tripartite model—comprising workers, employers, and the government—must adapt to address the challenges posed by the informal sector and digital economy.
“Right now, we have a lot of cinematographers, skit makers, and people who work from home,” Ijasan noted, drawing attention to the growing prevalence of freelance and remote work in Nigeria. “They spend a lot of money to ensure their work is successful and to generate income from their homes. But unlike employees in traditional offices, who benefit from company-provided welfare, safety, and other supports, these informal workers are left to fend for themselves.”
She argued that, while informal work is here to stay—particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic—the relevant stakeholders have yet to fully recognize and accept this reality. “The informal work sector is growing, and it is imperative that we create structures that offer protections for these workers.”
Reflecting on the achievements of past labour leaders in Nigeria, Ijasan acknowledged the hard-fought victories that established protections such as minimum wage, health insurance, and workers’ welfare in the country. However, she expressed concern about the lack of similar protections for younger workers entering today’s economy, particularly those in the digital and informal sectors.
“What is the protection for young people in the workforce today?” she asked. “If many of the jobs that young people are doing are centered around the digital economy, where is the structure to ensure that their rights are protected? Who is taking care of their health if they are injured on the job, or providing for their shelter? These are questions that our institutions need to address.”
Also speaking at the event, Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), echoed Ijasan’s concerns about the future of work, particularly in light of the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI). He noted that the rise of AI could significantly impact job availability and quality, particularly in the informal sector.
“Many of the jobs we have in Nigeria today are informal,” Ajaero said. “These include jobs like okada riders, barbers, and hairdressers, which are not classified under either the private or public sector. As more of these jobs are created, how do we ensure that workers in this sector are adequately protected?”
Ajaero praised Ijasan’s book for addressing these critical issues and for offering a comprehensive analysis of labour relations in the context of emerging technologies and economic models. However, he pointed out that the traditional tripartite system in Nigeria has been eroded, with the government often playing a dual role as both employer and regulator, complicating efforts to ensure fair labour practices.
Also, former president of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, also contributed to the discussion, stressing the need for greater collaboration between government, labour, and employers to address the unique challenges facing the informal sector.
“The tripartite system is crucial for sourcing solutions that can improve the lives of workers in the informal economy,” Wabba stated. “This book shines a light on the importance of dialogue between all parties to ensure that the future of work in Nigeria is both fair and inclusive.”
Ijasan’s book launch has sparked important conversations about the future of work in Africa, especially in the context of the informal and digital economies. As Nigeria continues to grapple with these shifts, it is clear that a concerted effort from all stakeholders is needed to protect the rights and welfare of workers in this rapidly evolving landscape.
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