Sola POPOOLA
The national president of the Nigeria Union of Hawkers (NUH), Professor Olumuyiwa Babalola has revealed that hawking has empowered over 15million individuals, mostly unemployed graduates and families to escape poverty .
Theme for this year’s International Hawkers Day 2025 under the Nigeria Union of Hawkers is “Empowering Street Entrepreneurs: Dignity, Rights, and Recognition”
Speaking at the maiden edition of the International Hawkers’ Day held in Abuja,the nation’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Professor Babalola hinted that the union is poised to introduce regulatory guidelines that would transform the hawking trade, deter child abuse , criminal activities, and enhance societal wellbeing.
He said the union’s initiative aims to balance the benefits of hawking with the need to protect vulnerable individuals and promote a secure trading environment.
Lamenting that the trade has been marred by exploitation of children and child labor, which poses numerous security risks, Babalola spoke of the Union’s readiness creating a database of hawkers with identification details, providing social support.
Part of the vision is to establish a formal bureaucratic process to regulate the trade, create a dignified and friendly trade environment for hawkers. He therefore emphasized that hawking has been a vital trade, empowering individuals, including unemployed graduates and families, and helping them escape poverty.
Accorfing to him, the union shall Provide medical assistance; Offer scholarships; General maintenance for members. Training programs that will empower hawkers and improve their businesses
He urged the government to support the union’s efforts, saying it would uplift hawkers’ lives and contribute to the economy.
“As Nigeria is marking its first-ever official celebration of International Hawkers’ Day, on behalf of all union members, we extend our appreciation to the governors of Cross River, Anambra, Niger, Borno, Kano and Ebonyi states for their ongoing monetary, unflinching support and financial assistance to hawkers. He urged other states to follow suit and adopt best practices for supporting hawkers and enhancing their economic contributions.
“We pledge to continue the struggle against eviction, extortion, and exploitative policies. We call for inclusive development that uplifts every Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector,” he concluded.
“International Hawkers’ Day is observed on May 26th, 2025. The day is celebrated worldwide to recognize the importance of hawkers in the informal economy and to raise awareness about the challenges they face.
“The International Hawkers Day focuses and typically centers on celebrating Hawkers culture and their contributions in the society, encouraging them to celebrate their heritage, and inspire future generations and highlighting their importance in preserving local culture, and recognizing the hard work and dedication.
“Also, It is a time to celebrate the rich culinary heritage, the diverse offerings, and the social significance of hawkers’ culture and a platform to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit of hawkers, who are often small business owners and the backbone of local food scenes.
International Hawkers Day encourages people to visit and support hawker centres, recognizing them as affordable, democratic spaces that reflect the diversity of the country and its people.
“The day can also raise awareness about the importance of preserving hawkers’ culture, its impact on local economies, and the challenges faced and provides an opportunity to share stories, personal memories, and experiences related to hawking activities, encouraging a sense of community and nostalgia” Babalola said