The Federation of Informal Workers’ Organisations of Nigeria (FIWON) in Osun has called for increased government support and protection for informal sector workers in the state.

The state coordinator of FIWON, Ibrahim Olayinka, made the call on Friday in Osogbo to commemorate Workers’ Day.

Mr Olayinka said that informal workers, who make up a significant share of the workforce, continue to face challenges such as a lack of social protection, limited access to credit, and unsafe working conditions.

He urged governments at all levels to design inclusive policies that recognise and support the contributions of informal workers to economic growth.

According to him, access to affordable healthcare, financial assistance, and proper regulation of the sector would greatly improve the livelihoods of workers in the informal economy.

“Informal workers are critical to the nation’s economy, yet they remain largely unprotected.

“There is a need for deliberate policies that will ensure their welfare and inclusion,” he said.

The FIWON boss also appealed to relevant stakeholders to prioritise skill development and empowerment programmes to enhance productivity within the sector.

Mr Olayinka, however, stressed the association’s commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of informal workers in the state and across Nigeria.

 (NAN)