By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA — A coalition of labour unions, civil-society groups, and human-rights organisations has urged the federal government and relevant agencies to bolster protections for vulnerable workers, defend democratic freedoms, and fully implement ILO Convention 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work.

The public awareness campaign was jointly organised by the Nigeria Anti-Violence and Harassment Alliance in collaboration with the Federation of Informal Workers of Nigeria (FIWON), Accountability Lab, Civil Society Group for Social Protection, Campaign for Transformative Governance (CFTG), the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and the International Lawyers Assisting Workers (ILAW).

The peaceful march commenced at Jabi Lake Park and concluded at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), with participants carrying placards bearing messages such as: “Ratification Is Not Enough – Implement ILO C190 Now,” “A Safe Nigeria Begins with Respect for Human Rights and the Rule of Law,” “Safe Spaces, Safe Communities, Safe Workplaces for All,” “Protect Labour Rights, Defend Civic Rights,” “Workers Have a Right to Organize,” “Protect Civic Space,” “Defend Freedom of Expression,” “Democracy Needs Active Citizens,” and “Respect Trade Union Rights.”

The organisers said the demonstration was intended to draw national attention to the growing challenges confronting informal sector workers and other vulnerable groups, including women, young people, and persons with disabilities.

They stressed that creating safe workplaces and protecting civic space are fundamental requirements for sustainable development and democratic governance.

The choice of Jabi Lake Park as the campaign’s starting point was symbolic. The park has, in recent months, attracted widespread public concern following demolition and fencing activities that reportedly began in March 2026.

According to civil society organisations, hundreds of informal workers, including food vendors, artisans, tennis instructors, traders, and other small business operators, were displaced after being ordered to vacate the premises with little or no formal notice.

Speaking on behalf of the General Secretary of the Federation of Informal Workers of Nigeria, Comrade Gbenga Komolafe, the FCT-Abuja Chapter representative, Comrade Blessing Yusuf, described democracy as more than periodic elections.

“Democracy is about respecting the fundamental rights to human dignity and ensuring that citizens participate in decisions affecting their livelihoods and communities, as guaranteed under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.

“It also requires adherence to the principles of administrative fairness, transparency, and public participation, which are the foundation of lawful public administration in a democratic society,” she stated.

The coalition expressed concern over what it described as the increasing displacement of informal workers through demolition exercises across the Federal Capital Territory and other parts of Nigeria without adequate consultation, notice, or social protection measures.

The organisations therefore called on government authorities to provide immediate, fair, and adequate compensation for all traders, small business owners, artisans, and service providers whose livelihoods have been disrupted by demolition exercises.

They also demanded comprehensive resettlement programmes and stronger social protection mechanisms to safeguard affected workers and their families.

The coalition further urged the Federal Government to move beyond the ratification of ILO Convention 190 by ensuring its effective domestication, implementation, and enforcement across both the formal and informal sectors.

According to the organisers, ending violence and harassment in the world of work requires stronger legal protections, respect for trade union rights, protection of civic freedoms, and policies that guarantee decent work for all Nigerians.

They maintained that protecting labour rights, promoting civic participation, and ensuring the rule of law are indispensable pillars of Nigeria’s democracy and essential for building an inclusive society where every citizen can work and live with dignity.