Workers worldwide celebrate International Workers’ Day on 1st May, demanding decent work and a better future.
These demands are also on the minds of people in the heart of the youngest continent. Nigeria is growing at a rate of one new life every six seconds, in a few decades it will be the third largest country on the planet. It bursts with creativity and harbours great potential – unlocking positive change is the major challenge for the current government and social movements alike.
Building a more inclusive, equitable and stable economy is part of that brighter future that Nigerians desire fervently. May 1st reminds us that solidarity and unity are key to achieving that change.
Lagos is the biggest in Africa and one of the fastest growing cities globally. Unfortunately, other human development indicators are not as impressive yet.
Around 50% of Nigeria’s population resides in rural areas, where subsistence farming remains a vital source of income. Many such communities still find themselves going hungry due to poor management of supplies, outdated infrastructure and lack of knowledge. The arable land and manpower are there, but many farmers do not have access to agricultural education and this creates food insecurity.
Low wages, youth unemployment and lack of access to public services are important push factors for migration – often irregular – to Europe and other regions. Informal work and survival economics are also barriers to sustainable development.
Public investment in infrastructure, health and education but also water and sanitation, is essential to turn this tide around. A higher minimum and average wage, as well as better working conditions, lifting people out of poverty and into supply chains that foster inclusive economic growth should be the goal. Harnessing the creative economy and building trust, while responsing to the needs of young people will contribute to a brighter future for Nigeria.
