The Nigeria Union of Hawkers has called on federal and state governments to prioritise the protection of hawkers’ rights and improve their working conditions, as it marked the 2025 International Hawkers’ Day.

In a statement, the National President of the NUH, Comrade Babalola, made the appeal on the 2025 commemoration of Hawkers’ Day, themed ‘Empowering Street Entrepreneurs: Dignity, Rights, and Recognition.’

Babalola affirmed the importance of hawkers to the economy while calling for government support.

“Hawking has empowered over 15 million Nigerians, mostly unemployed graduates and families.

It has helped many escape poverty, He stated. “It is time the government recognised hawking as a legitimate form of entrepreneurship and put policies in place to protect those involved in it.”

The NUH national president stated that despite the economic importance of hawking, hawkers face daily threats including extortion, harassment, lack of legal recognition, and unsafe working environments.

“We pledge to continue the struggle against eviction, extortion, and exploitative policies. We call for inclusive development that uplifts every Nigerian, especially those in the informal sector,” he said.

He also lamented the growing involvement of minors in hawking, describing it as child labour that exposes children to exploitation and insecurity.

Babalola added that the union has commenced the process of creating a database of hawkers with proper identification details and is working to provide medical support, scholarships, and training programmes to improve the lives and businesses of its members.

“Our aim is to create a dignified and friendly trade environment. The regulatory guidelines we are developing will help deter child abuse and criminal activities while transforming the trade for societal good,” he added.

Babalola thanked 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 state governors to emulate their example and collaborate with the union to provide infrastructure and ensure hawker safety.

International Hawkers’ Day, observed every May 26, celebrates the contributions of hawkers to the informal economy and local culture. This year marked Nigeria’s first official celebration of the day.