Labour leaders in Nigeria have expressed concern that the failure to transmit the reviewed labour laws to the National Assembly for passage has worsened casualization and precarious working conditions. They argue that the legal delay has left many workers without adequate protections, exposing them to exploitation and job insecurity.
Chris Onyeka, National Assistant General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, noted that loopholes in the law have allowed various forms of precarious work to persist. He emphasized that the National Labour Advisory Council, a tripartite body comprising the government, unions, and employers, had reviewed the laws to protect workers. However, the government appears to have shelved the reviewed laws, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation.
Onyeka stressed that precarious work is enabled by legal loopholes and the complacency of those responsible for monitoring abuses. He contended that casual work violates fundamental principles of human dignity, treating workers as commodities that can be discarded at will.
Gbenga Komolafe, General Secretary of the Federation of Informal Workers Organisation of Nigeria, pointed out that casualization often violates labour rights. He noted that companies frequently circumvent the Nigerian Labour Act by repeatedly renewing contracts every three months, leaving workers without fair contracts, benefits, or wage increases.
Komolafe emphasized that the government should enforce stricter labour regulations to ensure fair and stable employment conditions. He highlighted the need for comprehensive labour reforms to eliminate casualization, mandating fair contracts, enforcing strict employment standards, and ensuring transparent recruitment practices across all sectors.
