Poverty of Casualization of Labour in the Nigerian Public Service: Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana in Perspective

Abstract

The monetization policy initiated by the federal government of Nigeria in 2003 eliminated some job designations such as cleaners, labourers, security guards, caterers, stewards, messengers among others from government employment. Since then this category of employees is engaged on casual or contract basis, with the beneficiaries hoping to alleviate their poverty conditions. This study investigated whether or not income poverty has actually been reduced among these casual employees. Analysis in the paper was predicated on the Theory of Surplus Value originated by Karl Marx in 1860 to explain capitalist exploitation. The study utilized the descriptive research design underpinned by the case study method using Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana. Qualitative primary data provided the largest volume of data for the study and was derived through the structured interview method involving 13 respondents who were subgroup leaders within the three groups of casual employees studied namely: cleaners, labourers and security guards. The results of the analysis revealed that casualization of labour, though enhanced employment among this category of workers by about 50 percent, declining and irregular remuneration as well as inferior and dehumanizing working conditions combined to destabilize and diminish income leading to deterioration in the poverty conditions of the group. The study recommended that the National Assembly should exercise oversight and checks on MDAs to ensure compliance with the relevant labour laws that prevent exploitation, while civil society and human rights organizations should come to the rescue of casual workers by organizing sustained campaigns against exploitative and dehumanizing labour practices.

Keywords: Labour Laws, Nigerian Public Service, Federal Polytechnic, Bureaucracy, Labour Unions, Poverty