Workers’ welfare crisis: Labour leaders, govt officials, others to converge at LAWAN confab

By Victor Ahiuma-Young Labour leaders, government officials and academics are expected to converge on October 30, for the 2026 conference of the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria, LAWAN, where workers’ welfare, labour rights and economic justice will take centre stage. The conference, scheduled to hold in Lagos, will focus on the role of workers in Nigeria’s political transition and the need to protect their rights, improve welfare and advance economic justice.

With the theme, “Workers at the Centre of Nigeria’s Political Transition: Defending Rights, Advancing Welfare and Building Economic Justice,” the conference is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to examine issues affecting Nigerian workers and discuss ways of improving their well-being. Among the labour leaders expected at the event are the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero, and the President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, Festus Osifo, alongside other prominent figures in the labour movement.

The Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye, and the Director-General of the National Pension Commission, PenCom, Ms Omolola Oloworaran, are listed as keynote speakers. Other speakers include Professor Tunde Akanni, Professor of Journalism at Lagos State University (LASU); Dr Ganiu Okunnu, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Public Relations and Advertising at LASU; and Ismail Bello, Deputy General Secretary of the NLC.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Mohammed Dingyadi, and the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, are expected to attend as special guests of honour. The conference is scheduled to commence at 10 a.m. Speaking on the significance of the event, LAWAN Chairman, Toba Agboola, said the choice of theme reflects the association’s commitment to placing workers’ rights and welfare at the centre of discussions on Nigeria’s political transition.

According to Agboola, the conference will emphasise the need to advance economic justice and improve workers’ well-being as the country navigates its political transition. The gathering is expected to bring together stakeholders from the labour movement, government and academia to deliberate on the challenges confronting Nigerian workers and the need for policies and initiatives that promote better welfare, protect labour rights and ensure a fairer economic environment.