Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called on organised labour to expand its advocacy beyond demands for higher minimum wages by pressing for the full implementation of social welfare laws that improve workers’ living conditions.
Speaking at a symposium in Abuja held in honour of late labour activist and scholar Dr. Segun Osoba, Falana urged labour unions to demand the enforcement of key welfare policies, including the National Housing Act, health insurance schemes, improved workers’ allowances and better pension administration.
He argued that the recurring focus on minimum wage negotiations has overshadowed other statutory benefits capable of significantly improving workers’ quality of life.
Falana specifically called for the implementation of the National Housing Act, noting that workers contribute three per cent of their monthly earnings to the National Housing Fund, yet millions still lack access to affordable housing.
He also expressed concern over the management of pension funds, lamenting that many retirees die waiting for their benefits despite pension assets growing to about ₦30 trillion. He criticised the continued borrowing from the fund and called for greater transparency and prompt payment of retirees’ entitlements.
At the symposium, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim paid tribute to Dr. Osoba, describing him as a lifelong advocate of social justice and democracy. He recalled Osoba’s role on the 1975 Constitution Drafting Committee, where he co-authored a minority report with the late Dr. Bala Usman.
Former Nigeria Labour Congress General Secretary John Odah also honoured Osoba, describing him as a committed labour activist whose contributions continue to inspire the movement.
Chairman of the symposium planning committee, Y. Z. Y. A’u, said the event formed part of the “Osoba for Eternity” initiative, adding that papers presented at the symposium would be compiled into a tribute book documenting Osoba’s enduring contributions to Nigeria’s socio-political development.
