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*🔹 KNOW THE LAW – WEEK 28*

*EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS: WHAT EVERY WORKER IN NIGERIA MUST KNOW*

Employment is not merely a source of income — it is a legal relationship governed by enforceable rights and obligations. Whether you are a cleaner, artisan, driver, civil servant, or company executive, Nigerian law protects your dignity, wages, and fair treatment at work.

*1️⃣ EMPLOYMENT CREATES BINDING LEGAL OBLIGATIONS*

The moment a person accepts employment, a *legally binding contract* arises — whether written or oral.

Under the Labour Act, employment creates *mutual duties*:

• The employee must perform assigned duties faithfully and obey lawful instructions.
• The employer must pay agreed wages and provide fair working conditions.

The law recognises that workers are often the more vulnerable party and therefore provides *safeguards against exploitation and abuse*.

*2️⃣ RIGHT TO WRITTEN TERMS & PROTECTION FROM UNFAIR TREATMENT*

*Section 7 of the Labour Act* requires employers to provide *written terms of employment* within three (3) months of engagement.

These terms should clearly state:

• Job description
• Salary and payment structure
• Working hours
• Leave entitlement
• Notice period

An employer *cannot unilaterally change* fundamental terms without the employee’s consent.

Beyond the Labour Act, *Section 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) guarantees freedom from discrimination*. No Nigerian citizen shall be discriminated against on the basis of ethnic group, place of origin, s*x, religion, or political opinion.

Discrimination in employment — particularly in recruitment, promotion, discipline, or termination — on any of these grounds is *unlawful*.

Every worker is entitled to:

• A safe working environment
• Reasonable hours of work
• Proper periods of rest and annual leave

Fair treatment is not a favour — it is a legal and constitutional right.

*3️⃣ RIGHT TO WAGES, PENSION & LAWFUL BENEFITS*

*Wages must be paid* as agreed and when due. *Unauthorized deductions are unlawful* unless permitted by law or expressly agreed in writing.

Under the *Pension Reform Act 2014*, employers in the formal sector must make pension contributions on behalf of employees.

Employees may also be entitled to:

• Annual leave with pay
• Sick leave
• Leave allowances
• Other contractual benefits

Non-payment of wages or denial of benefits can be reported to the Ministry of Labour or enforced through legal action before the *National Industrial Court of Nigeria*.

*4️⃣ TERMINATION, DISMISSAL & DUE PROCESS*

While an employer may terminate employment, it must be done strictly *in accordance with the contract*.

Termination generally requires:

• *Proper notice*; or
• *Payment in lieu of notice*

Dismissal for misconduct must be based on genuine reasons and must comply with the *principles of fair hearing*. An employee accused of wrongdoing must be given an opportunity to respond before disciplinary action is taken.

Where termination is found to be *unlawful*, the Court may award damages or, in appropriate cases, order *reinstatement*.

*5️⃣ RIGHT TO UNION MEMBERSHIP & COLLECTIVE PROTECTION*

Under the *Trade Unions Act*, workers have the right to:

• *Join trade unions*
• *Participate in collective bargaining*
• Seek redress for workplace injustice

Peaceful protest against unfair labour practices is *legally protected*, provided it complies with applicable laws.

*⚖ REALITY TIP*

Many Nigerians lose employment without compensation because no written contract exists.

In employment matters, *Documentation is protection.*

Before accepting a job:

• Demand written terms.
• Keep copies of all employment documents.
• Understand your rights before disputes arise.

*The law can only defend what can be proven.*

*From the Legal Desk*
*NACOMYO, Lagos State Chapter*
*Sideeq Rabiu, Esq., Legal Adviser*

PHOTOS: GOV. SANWO-OLU HOSTS ONE DAY GOVERNOR, MISS ETIYEMONU ESTHER AT LAGOS HOUSE, MARINA ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2026

Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Council Steps Up Environmental Enforcement at Ilupeju Industrial Area.

The Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area has intensified its environmental enforcement drive at the Ilupeju Industrial Area, demolishing illegal structures and dislodging unauthorized traders to restore order and protect public health.

The operation, which was directed by the Executive Chairman Hon. Seyi Jakande, had its enforcement carried out by the council’s environmental ad hoc Taskforce overseen by the Odi-Olowo Transport and Environmental Corps (O-TEC).

The exercise targeted structures that had become a public nuisance and posed environmental risks. One female occupant had converted part of the area into unauthorized activities, worsening the menace.

A mop-up enforcement was conducted along Industrial Road by PZ, with the supervision of the OTEC Director General Hon Lateef Akinsemoyin, following earlier interventions in the same axis. Roadside food vendors and illegal traders who had previously been dislodged were found to have returned once patrols ceased.

Hon. Jakande acknowledged the challenge of sustaining compliance:
“We observed that once regular patrols stopped, many of the vendors crept back. This underscores the need for continuous monitoring. Enforcement is not a one-off exercise; it must be sustained to achieve lasting results.”

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining environmental order through consistent enforcement, warning that illegal traders and occupants who flout regulations will face decisive action.

HEWA AGENDA: Service to the people. Prosperity for all

At MBTZ NGO, we believe that today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and change-makers. 💫 The dreams we nurture in their hearts today will shape the world we live in tomorrow.

Sadly, many kids face challenges that threaten to steal their bright future — poverty, lack of education, hunger, and hopelessness. 💔 But we refuse to let their light fade.

Through our initiatives, we empower, educate, and equip children with the tools they need to rise above their circumstances and chase their dreams boldly. 🌱✨

When we invest in our kids, we invest in a better tomorrow.
When we lift them up, we lift the future of our world. 🌍💪

Join MBTZ NGO in building a future filled with hope, opportunities, and endless possibilities — because the future truly belongs to the kids! ❤️

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCn4kKP0Vo4