Exploring the voice and representation mechanisms of platform workers and implications for decent work in the Nigerian gig economy

This qualitative study examines the experiences of platform workers in Nigeria’s gig economy, with a specific focus on their voice and representation mechanisms and implications for decent work. Drawing on the institutional theory and 37 semi-structured interviews with location-based and cloudwork platform workers, the study advances knowledge of how the regulative, normative, and cultural-cognitive pillars shape what constitutes voice, representation and decent work experiences in the Nigerian platform economy. Findings underscore the influence of platform design and its impact on the perception of decent work and workers’ voice. It highlights the formal and informal voice channels and alternative worker associations for voicing among Nigerian platform workers. Furthermore, it demonstrates how cultural values in Nigeria influence what constitutes decent work for platform workers and its implications for voice. Beyond the theoretical implications, the study highlights practical and social implications, emphasising that policy reforms are needed to address employment classification, strengthen worker protections, and enhance social dialogue mechanisms. It advocates interventions to improve working conditions, empower gig workers, and foster a more equitable and sustainable gig economy.