Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has urged organised labour to broaden its advocacy beyond minimum wage negotiations by demanding the enforcement of existing laws and policies that guarantee affordable housing, healthcare, pensions, and other social welfare benefits for Nigerian workers.

Speaking at a symposium in Abuja held in honour of the late labour activist Dr. Segun Osoba, Falana argued that workers’ welfare extends beyond salary increases. He said labour unions should compel governments at all levels to fully implement social protection programmes that improve workers’ living standards and provide long-term economic security.

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 to facilitate access to affordable homes. He questioned why many contributors have yet to benefit from the scheme despite years of deductions, stressing that labour unions should insist on accountability and effective implementation of the programme.

He also expressed concern over Nigeria’s growing housing shortage, stating that millions of Nigerians remain without access to decent accommodation. According to him, affordable housing programmes must be strengthened to ensure workers can benefit from government-backed housing initiatives and improve their quality of life.

Beyond housing, Falana urged labour leaders to advocate for improved health insurance, prompt payment of pensions, better social protection measures, and increased allowances for workers. He maintained that enforcing existing welfare laws would have a greater impact on workers’ well-being than focusing solely on periodic wage increases.

Stakeholders believe Falana’s position reinforces the need for stronger implementation of housing and social welfare policies as part of broader labour reforms. They argue that improving access to affordable housing, healthcare, and social security would complement wage improvements and contribute to a higher standard of living for Nigerian workers.

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Governor Umo Eno has donated a fully furnished three-bedroom house to a homeless mother of triplets in Uyo, offering relief to a family previously grappling with extreme hardship.

The beneficiaries, Mr and Mrs Sunday Ekpo from Ifa Ikot Okpon community, received the new home alongside a business support grant, marking a significant turnaround in their living conditions.

The presentation was carried out on behalf of the governor by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Emem Ibanga, who handed over the house documents and financial support during a brief ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Governor Eno congratulated the family and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting vulnerable residents through targeted social intervention programmes.

He described the gesture as a reflection of compassionate governance, noting that the birth of the triplets had drawn attention to the family’s plight and prompted swift government action.

The initiative was executed under the ARISE Compassionate Homes Initiative, a programme designed to provide decent housing for disadvantaged individuals across the state.

Providing further details, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Services, NsikanAbasi Umoekpo, said the bungalow is equipped with solar power, water supply, and other essential facilities to ensure comfortable living.

In his remarks, the Presiding Pastor of the All Nations Christian Ministry International, Pastor Udomfuk Ndaeyo, commended the governor for what he described as a demonstration of genuine compassion and responsive leadership.

Responding on behalf of the family, Mr Sunday Ekpo expressed gratitude to the governor, describing the intervention as life-changing and a fulfilment of a promise made to them.

He offered prayers for continued blessings and success for the governor and the state government.

The event was attended by government aides, religious leaders, community representatives, and other stakeholders, highlighting broad support for the administration’s humanitarian efforts.

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