CREATING INCLUSIVE WORK SPACES FOR NIGERIAN INFORMAL SECTOR THROUGH URBAN PLANNING

Abstract

The formalization of the informal sector in Nigeria cannot be effectively achieved without strategic planning to improve the working conditions of informal workers. While various studies have explored aspects of the informal economy, limited research has examined the critical role of urban and occupational planning in shaping their work environment. This study aims to assess the working conditions of Nigeria’s informal sector workers and highlight the importance of planning as a foundational step in the formalization process. Using a descriptive and narrative content analysis of existing literature, the study reveals that informal workers in Nigeria face hazardous conditions, lack social protection, and operate in environments prone to pollution and occupational risks. These conditions threaten their health, safety, and overall well-being, necessitating a structured planning approach to integrate informal workspaces into the broader urban framework. The findings emphasize the essential role of urban planners in providing social, spatial, environmental, and regulatory guidance to informal workers, helping them navigate the opportunities and challenges within their work environments. A well-structured planning strategy can support informal sector workers in mitigating occupational hazards, fostering economic sustainability, and gradually transitioning into the formal economy. To achieve this, the Nigerian government must develop a comprehensive national occupational health and safety policy alongside a regulatory framework tailored to the needs of the informal sector.