By Vivian Okejeme
A Civil Right Organisation, CEE-HOPE Nigeria, has called for domestic workers legal protection, unionization, fair wages, and greater political inclusion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group urged domestic workers to actively participate in governance by understanding public issues, participating in elections, and holding elected leaders accountable.
According to them, many domestic workers in Nigeria still operate without written contracts, legal protection, social security benefits, or effective access to justice.
The call was made during a one-day Democratic Participation Workshop organized by CEE-HOPE Nigeria in partnership with the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation West Africa at the organization’s regional office in Kurudu, Abuja.
The workshop brought together domestic workers, labour-rights advocates, development practitioners, journalists, clerics, and civil society organizations to discuss strategies for improving the participation of domestic workers in Nigeria’s democratic and governance processes.
The workshop forms part of ongoing advocacy efforts by CEE-HOPE Nigeria to advance the rights and welfare of domestic workers across the country.
Founded by journalist and child-rights advocate Betty Abah, the organization has consistently championed the rights of women, children, and marginalized communities through advocacy, education, protection, and empowerment initiatives.
The organization has continued to advocate stronger legal frameworks to address issues including unpaid wages, workplace abuse, forced labour, sexual exploitation, and child labour.
Speaking at the event, development practitioner and labour-rights advocate, Hauwa Mustapha, emphasized the importance of democratic participation, describing democracy as a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
According to her, citizens should not wait for politicians to seek their support before making emands for good governance.
“People should know what is happening in government, understand public issues, and make informed decisions about who becomes their leader,” she said.
Also speaking, trauma-care specialist and rights advocate, Ene Edeh, highlighted the challenges faced by domestic workers, particularly women and young girls who are often exposed to exploitation, abuse, discrimination, and poor working conditions.
She called for stronger advocacy, increased public awareness, and policy reforms aimed at protecting domestic workers and safeguarding their dignity and welfare.
In her remarks, Mrs. Chizoba Ogbeche, Senior Editor and Vice President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Zone D, reaffirmed the media’s commitment to amplifying the voices of vulnerable workers and promoting advocacy for domestic workers nationwide.
Mrs Ogbeche urged domestic workers to maintain professionalism, honesty, and integrity in their relationships with employers, adding that mutual respect and accountability remain essential for healthy working
environments.
In their reaction, participants submitted that as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, domestic workers must not remain excluded from democratic participation and decision-making processes.
Therefore, they called for increased political awareness, voter education, leadership development, and civic engagement among domestic workers to ensure that labour and social protection policies reflect their realities and aspirations.
