2026 World Day Decen Work, Ministry, ASSBIFI, PERESSA condemn precarious working environment, seek AI inclusion amidst alarming figures of unemployment

 LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT ARENA

By allcitynews.ng 

As Nigerian workers joined their counterparts in celebration of the 2026 World Day for Decent Work, October 7, labour centres  have condemned continued modern slave trade as most employers  of labour have been using large figures of unemployment as loopholes to continued to indulge in casualisation, outsourcing at  the detriment of  decent work environment.

Lamenting against precarious workplace  environment, coupled with exploitation by employers,  they lamented that employers of labour have continued to treat most workplaces as modern slave camps. 

Speaking on the topic, "Young Workers Organizing for the Future", during the event, organised by Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), the participants reiteratedly described casualisation as modern slave trade camps.

On his part, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi commended ASSBIFI for sustaining the celebration of  World Decent Work.

Dingyadi, who  was represented by the  Zonal Director SouthWest and State Controller, Mrs Mienye Badejo, called on youth to embark on life-transforming goals by involvement in training and digitalization.

According to the Minister, recapitalisation is reshaping the landscape of banking and insurance across the financial sector. The young workers are at the centre of this transition or reforms. Although, these reforms are necessary and meant to strengthen the capital bases, technology and market performance. 

"However, this should not be at the expense of the workers, job security, fair wages, career development and the respect for workers.

"​The young workers who represent the future of the industry are facing challenges arising from this transition such as, job displacement due to automation and restructuring, technology, high pressure for performance and uncertain conditions etc."

Just as the President of Precision, Electrical and Related Equipment Senior Staff Association (PERESSA), Comrade Rufus Olusesan, charged Nigerian workers against distancing themselves from unionism.

According to Olusesan, "On the occasion of this important day, PERESSA insists that work must not just provide income, it must provide dignity. Unfortunately, under capitalism, workers who create the wealth benefit only crumbs as wages.  

To this extent, the theme of this year's Decent Work Day "Young Workers Organizing for the Future " Is very timely and powerful. 

While the theme is focused on young workers, it is a known fact they the future of work is for the young people."

Today, globally, noted Olusesan   "67 million young people are unemployed. In Nigeria, the youth unemployment rate is one of the highest in the world."

In his welcome address, the acting President of Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), Comrade Isaac Adesina Fanimokun, explained that the yearly organising of Decent Workplace is meant to increase the awareness of safety consciousness by both employers and employees.

According to Fanimokun, "We demand end to indecent work. The worker deserves living wages, not the "seventy thousand Naira (N70,000) stipend" that does not take the worker to the bus-stop. We demand wages that enhance living standards, and social protection that guarantees dignity and after-work survival."

Beaming his focus on job security, the acting ASSBIFI helmsman said, ​"The future belongs to skilled workers. Digital skills, Artificial Intelligence and robotics are already displacing many workers. We must equip ourselves with evolving workplace technologies and digital skills to improve performance and productivity to remain relevant in the world of work."

​Trade Unionism, Fanimokun  maintained, "must be sustained. We cannot confront the capitalist Employer in our individual capacities, togetherness is our strength. Our mantra in ASSBIFI is "together we bargain, divided we beg".

And also, he said "​On this WDDW 2026, we strongly request: "The Federal Government to urgently implement policies to alleviate the sufferings of the worker, reduce the cost of food, transportation, health care, housing, education and provide adequate security. A situation whereby the National Minimum wage cannot buy a bag of rice is absurd, a situation whereby the National Minimum wage cannot pay monthly house rent for an average family of six is absurd, a situation where the National Minimum wage cannot provide three square meals for an average Nigeria family of four for two weeks is nothing but slavery. Workers are not Slaves, we must be treated with the dignity that decent work reflects," Fanimokun explained.

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