Sowore Condemns Contract Staffing, Describes It As State-Backed Slavery

Nigerian activist and Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the growing trend of contract staffing in the country, particularly in the banking sector, describing it as a form of state-backed slavery.

In a post on X, Sowore vowed to end contract staffing in his next major battle, accusing corporations and government agencies of exploiting Nigerians under the guise of temporary contracts.

“One of our next major battles will be to end this state-backed slavery known as contract staffing. Millions of Nigerians work full-time without job security, benefits, or dignity, while corporations and government agencies exploit ‘contract’ arrangements to escape responsibility,” he wrote.

Contract staffing involves hiring employees through third-party agencies or on fixed-term contracts rather than directly and permanently.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show that contract staff made up about 42 per cent of Nigeria’s banking workforce as of the fourth quarter of 2019.

A 2023 report by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria also revealed that contract workers account for roughly 65 per cent of the sector’s workforce, with many earning less than half the salaries of permanent employees and lacking access to pensions, health insurance, or housing allowances.

Despite provisions in the Labour Act for equal pay for equal work, weak enforcement has allowed outsourcing firms to exploit loopholes with minimal oversight. Many of these contract employees handle core operations like customer service and transaction processing but suffer from job insecurity and limited career progression.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has also condemned the outsourcing system, describing it as a modern form of indentured labour.

Similarly, Edo State lawmaker and former NLC president, Adams Oshiomhole, recently accused banks of exploiting workers by keeping them on endless contracts to reduce costs.

“They dress as though they are bankers, yet when they are thrown out, they have no gratuity, no security. They are not direct employees of the banks. These practices must be stopped,” Oshiomhole said.

Sowore, who was recently released from police custody after leading a protest for the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, called on contract staff, graduates, and labour unions to unite in protests, petitions, and litigation to push for legislative reforms.

“We will organise and stand for integrity,” he added.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.

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