Understanding Nigerian Labour Law: Employers & Employees Rights, Responsibilities, and Debunking Myths
EMMANUEL OROKO
Principal at OROKO & CO LEGAL, Intellectual…
Published Jan 13, 2025
The Nigerian workplace is governed by a robust set of labour laws designed to protect both employers and employees. However, misconceptions about these laws often lead to misunderstandings, disputes, and even legal violations...
Overview of Nigerian Labour Law
Nigerian labour law consists of statutes such as the Labour Act, Trade Unions Act, Employee Compensation Act, and Pension Reform Act...
Employee Rights under Nigerian Labour Law
Right to Fair Wages: As per the National Minimum Wage Act...
Right to Leave: Annual, sick, and maternity leave rights...
Right to a Safe Workplace: Employers must ensure safety standards...
Right to Notice Before Termination: Termination must follow due notice...
Right to Non-Discrimination: Equal treatment regardless of identity...
Employer Responsibilities in Compliance with Nigerian Labour Law
Issuance of Written Contracts: Contracts must be provided...
Compliance with Statutory Obligations: Wage laws, safety, and leave...
Provision of Pension Contributions: Mandatory under the Pension Reform Act...
Fair and Lawful Termination Procedures: Employers must follow due process...
Debunking Labour Law Myths: Separating Facts from Fiction
Myth: Employers Can Terminate Employment without Notice Fact: Termination without notice is wrongful. (Obanye v. Union Bank)
Myth: Employees Are Not Entitled to Written Contracts Fact: Employees working over three months must receive contracts.
Myth: Maternity Leave is at Employer’s Discretion Fact: It is a legal right. (Section 54 of the Labour Act)
Myth: Verbal Warnings Are Equivalent to Termination Fact: Proper documentation and process are required.
Myth: Domestic Workers Are Not Protected Fact: They have rights, even if not fully covered by the Labour Act.
Myth: Pension Contributions Are Optional Fact: Mandatory by law. (Pension Reform Act)
Resolving Labour Disputes
Disputes can be resolved through the National Industrial Court or via alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and arbitration...
Conclusion
Understanding Nigerian labour law is crucial for a fair and compliant workplace. Debunking myths helps build mutual trust...
Our Office
(2nd Floor) 169 Ikorodu -Ososun Road, Palm-grove/Onipanu, Lagos State
