Urgent measures needed to improve workers’ safety in platform industry

By Omotunde Alawode

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

The research headed by Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, director of Christopher Kolade Centre for Research in Leadership and Ethics, Amaka (Java) Anozie, Chinyere Emeshie, Ogechi Obiorah and Chiwemeri Mama made this known during the unveiling of their findings, titled, The Fairwork Nigeria 2023 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 emphasis on safety training, provision of risk mitigating strategies, and effective measures against working alone.

He said: “This report urges platforms to prioritize 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.”

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 platform workers.

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

“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).