Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, has vowed to lead a major campaign against contract staffing in Nigeria, describing the practice as “modern-day slavery” that deprives millions of workers of job security, fair benefits, and dignity.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sowore accused government agencies and private companies—particularly in the banking sector—of exploiting Nigerians through casual employment schemes. He alleged that such organisations deliberately use these arrangements to evade their obligations to workers.
“One of our next major battles will be to end this state-backed slavery known as contract staffing,” Sowore wrote. “Millions of Nigerians work full-time without job security, benefits, or dignity, while corporations and government agencies exploit ‘contract’ arrangements to escape responsibility. This system must end!”
His post sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians sharing personal experiences of unfair treatment and poor conditions under contract employment.
A user, @Onoh_son, wrote, “The bank I worked in had 70% contract staff and only 30% core staff. Despite their huge profits, these banks won’t convert contract staff. People’s children are just slaving away in their prime years!”
Another user, @Emmanue99884047, lamented, “I’ve been a contract staff in a bank for almost four years now, with no promotion, no 13th-month bonus—just my regular salary.”
Some respondents blamed weak labour protections for the growing exploitation. User @AnyetiDas commented, “Government and labour policies don’t protect Nigerians. Even when workers resist bad policies, many organisations don’t allow unions.”
An HR professional, @oursouls23074, added, “HR should prepare for the reality of the manipulative actions being perpetuated through them by management. One reason I left HR practice is because HR is silenced in favour of management’s interests, to the detriment of workers.”
Contract staffing—common in Nigeria’s banking, oil, and telecommunications sectors—has long been criticised by labour unions and civil rights groups. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has repeatedly condemned the practice, often referred to as “casualisation”, and called for stricter regulations to ensure fair and secure employment.
Sowore’s renewed campaign has reignited debate over workers’ rights and the urgent need for stronger labour policies to protect contract employees across the country.
