The National President of the Nigeria Union of Hawker (NUH), Comrade Olumuyiwa Babalola has said that the union will provide a strong social support systems to members ,including introducing a formal bureaucratic process, licensing, and identification.
Nigeria Union of Hawkers (NUH) is a pivotal platform to address the challenges and transform the hawking trade into a dignified and sustainable livelihood option for all participants.
He also promised that the union will transform the hawking in Nigeria by
uplifting the 0lives of hawkers, deter child abuse and criminal activities, and enhance overall societal wellbeing.
Babalola, in a statement on Wednesday urged the government to support the regulatory guidelines of the Union.
According to him ,hawking is a trade that has played a significant role in empowering individuals, mostly unemployed graduates and families, helped people augment their income and escape poverty, and created economic opportunities for the masses.
He, however, canvassed that necessary measures are being put in place to prevent exploitation of children and child labor, which he said has numerous security risks.
Babalola also said “It is essential that government address the economic hardship many hawkers are passing through. There is a need to create a dignified and friendly trade environment for hawkers while preserving the cultural significance of this trade.
“Our union will provide a formal bureaucratic process, regulatory oversight, and social support for members. The absence of regulation and child labor has marred the reputation of hawking in Nigeria.”
Comrade Babalola added that the objectives of the union include creating a database of hawkers with the requisite identification details and will minimise if not completely eliminate unwholesome practices.
“This measure will enhance the security of both the hawkers and the general public.
“There should be social support, where the union will utilise the donations along with contributions from any angle and subscribing companies, to establish a support system for its members.
“This system will include medical assistance, scholarships for education, and general maintenance of the union’s activities,” He said.
He said public awareness and consultations would be conducted to educate hawkers.
“Stakeholders’ opinions, concerns, and suggestions would be solicited through consultations and town hall meetings to ensure inclusivity.
There would be collaborations and partnerships so that they would collaborate with relevant government agencies, law enforcement bodies, and other organisations to implement the necessary infrastructure.
“There should be training and capacity building to provide comprehensive training programs for registered hawkers, focusing on essential skills, entrepreneurship, and customer service.
“These programs will empower hawkers to improve their businesses, contribute to the economy, and raise their living standards.”