STOP SLAVE LABOUR! ASSBIFI ROARS — END CASUALISATION, PAY YOUNG WORKERS BETTER BY AMINAT KOMOLAFE MUSTOPHA
BY AMINAT KOMOLAFE MUSTOPHA
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–“The Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) has called for stronger protection of young workers, improved wages and an end to casualisation in Nigeria’s labour market.”
Banks, Insurance Workers Demand Decent Wages
THE OCCASION:
“The association made the call on Wednesday in Lagos at its commemoration of the 2026 World Day for Decent Work, themed ‘Young Workers Organising for the Future.'”
“The event, held at the ASSBIFI Event Centre, Alausa, brought together labour leaders, government representatives and stakeholders in the banking, insurance and financial services sectors to discuss challenges confronting young workers and the future of work.”
PRESIDENT’S LAMENT:
“Speaking at the event, the Acting National President of ASSBIFI, Comrade Fanimokun Adesina, expressed concern over the difficulties faced by Nigerian workers amid rising living costs, stressing the need for decent wages and better working conditions.”
The ministry also stressed the importance of continuous skills development, stakeholder engagement and the review of labour laws to reflect changing workplace arrangements, including hybrid and flexible work.
Participants further advocated the principle of “same job, same pay,” particularly for workers performing similar duties despite differences in their employment status.
They called for stronger collective bargaining and greater protection for contract and casual workers, while urging employers to comply with labour laws and agreed conditions of employment.
The speakers also encouraged young workers to acquire relevant digital skills, including data analytics, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, as technology continues to transform the workplace.
They called for greater involvement of young people in trade union leadership, stressing the importance of knowledge transfer from older union leaders to the younger generation.
The association also raised concerns about the rising cost of food, transportation, healthcare, housing and education, arguing that wage levels must adequately reflect the realities faced by Nigerian workers.
The labour stakeholders called for stronger enforcement of labour laws, improved corporate governance standards around decent work and renewed engagement on collective bargaining in the banking, insurance and financial services sectors.
They also urged the government, employers and labour unions to work together to create an environment where young workers can enjoy secure employment, fair income, social protection and the right to organise.
The event ended with a renewed call for workers’ unity, stronger labour representation and policies that promote decent employment and social justice.
The stakeholders maintained that young workers must not only be prepared for the future of work but must also have a voice in shaping it.
Decent work is our right, and united workers can play a stronger role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s workforce.
About the Author
