Group Demands  Improved Security for Platform Workers

Members of The Fairwork team at Lagos Business School, Pan Atlantic University have called for urgent actions to address the security concerns plaguing the Nigerian platform economy.

This is coming on the heels of research carried out by the Director of Christopher Kolade Centre for Research in Leadership and Ethics, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi alongside Amaka Anozie, Chinyere Emeshie, Ogechi Obiorah, and Chiwemeri Mama.

The demand was made during the unveiling of the organisation’s findings titled, “The Fairwork Nigeria 2023”, a  report based on desk research and interviews with platform workers and managers in Lagos between February and May 2023 at the Lagos Business School, Ajah, Lagos.

According to Ogunyemi, aspects of combating insecurity in platform work include an emphasis on safety training, provision of risk-mitigating strategies, and effective measures against working alone.

He said further that the report urges platforms to prioritise improving the working conditions of platform workers by enabling effective safety measures and safety nets for workers, establishing better communication channels, raising awareness about available security measures, and recognising worker collectives and groups.

“By addressing these critical issues, the Nigerian platform economy can enhance the well-being and security of its workforce and foster an environment conducive to sustainable and equitable growth”, he added.

During the presentation, representatives of Bolt, Bolt Foods, Chow Deck, Glovo, Gokada, Indrive, Jumia Food, Kwik, Lagos Ride, Mano, Uber and Rida, in the Nigerian platform economy highlighted the pressing insecurity faced by their workers.

The leader of the team disclosed that platform work carries inherent risks as workers often find themselves in potentially dangerous situations; these include encounters with robbers, road accidents, harassment by law enforcement agents, and the threat of kidnappers.

Ogunyemi said however that, “Despite the high level of insecurity experienced on the job, platform workers exhibit remarkable courage as they navigate these dangers to earn a living.”

The report was funded by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).