NSITF Moves to Protect Gig Workers as AI Reshapes Nigeria’s Labour Market

"AI has become a permanent feature of modern workplaces, making it imperative for governments and labour institutions to understand its implications and develop appropriate responses." Faleye Esq 

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has disclosed plans to extend workplace protection and compensation coverage to platform workers and participants in the rapidly expanding gig economy, as concerns grow over the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on jobs and workplace relations.

Managing Director of NSITF, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, made the disclosure on the sidelines of the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, while reacting to Nigeria’s position on AI and the future of work presented by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi.

Faleye said the Fund is prioritising discussions around the treatment of platform workers, gig economy participants and the growing influence of AI on labour, stressing that technological innovation must be matched with policies that protect workers and promote decent employment.

According to him, AI has become a permanent feature of modern workplaces, making it imperative for governments and labour institutions to understand its implications and develop appropriate responses.

He noted that the traditional definition of labour, which largely focuses on formal workplace arrangements, is being challenged by new work models that include remote workers, ride-hailing operators, delivery service providers and other digital platform-based workers.

Faleye said NSITF is exploring ways to adapt its mandate to these emerging realities, particularly in determining how workplace injuries are defined and compensated within the gig economy ecosystem.

“We are grappling with questions around when an injury occurs and what constitutes a workplace for platform workers, especially those working from home or through digital applications,” he said.

The NSITF boss explained that engagement with stakeholders at international forums such as the Labour Conference would help shape policies and frameworks capable of addressing the unique challenges posed by non-traditional employment arrangements.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, describing the move as critical to ensuring Nigeria remains competitive in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Faleye also pointed to the growing adoption of AI within the Nigerian public service, saying the technology is increasingly being deployed to improve service delivery and administrative efficiency.

His remarks came after the Labour Minister urged countries to pursue inclusive and human-centred AI policies that safeguard workers’ rights while harnessing technology to drive economic growth and productivity.

The development signals a potential shift in Nigeria’s labour protection framework as authorities seek to bring millions of platform workers and independent contractors under social insurance and workplace compensation schemes amid the ongoing digital transformation of the economy.