As Nigeria marks World Day of Social Justice, conversations often focus on unemployment and economic growth. However, a critical issue demands equal attention: the protection of young people within the workplace.
New evidence from Beyond Awareness: Youth Participatory Evidence on Work Experiences, Rights Violation and Barriers to Decent Work in Nigeria, a national study of 2,419 young Nigerians, highlights a significant justice gap.
Key Findings
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43% of young people lack actionable knowledge of workplace rights
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Many violations go unreported due to fear or uncertainty
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Informal employment increases exposure to exploitation
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Young people with disabilities face heightened vulnerability
Employment Without Protection Is Not Social Justice
Many young Nigerians experience delayed wages, unsafe conditions, harassment and excessive working hours. While labour laws exist, access to enforcement and reporting mechanisms remains limited.
True social justice requires decent work, work that is safe, fairly compensated and rights-based.
What Must Change?
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Practical, youth-friendly workplace rights education
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Accessible reporting mechanisms
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Stronger enforcement of labour protections
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Employer accountability
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Youth inclusion in labour policy design, implementation and monitoring
Protecting youth workplace rights is essential to inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
Because social justice begins where young people work.
