Unions Push for Better Conditions in Nigeria's Care Economy

Trade unions and civil society organizations in Nigeria are intensifying efforts to advocate for decent work conditions in the rapidly expanding care economy. A two-day training workshop was held in Abuja on March 17-18, 2026, aimed at building advocacy for care workers across various sectors, including health, education, and information services.

The workshop, which involved participants from both the public and private sectors, highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action to address the persistent challenges faced by care workers nationwide. Key stakeholders included representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Medical Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).

The workshop explored the concept and scope of care work, referencing a recent study by Johns Hopkins University in collaboration with the Solidarity Center, which identified critical gaps in policies protecting care workers. Participants shared successful strategies from other countries and developed action strategies to advocate for improved wages, working conditions, and social protection for care workers in Nigeria.