AN ANALYSIS OF WORKERS’ PROTECTION IN THE LABOUR ACT 2004 AND THE EMPLOYEE’S COMPENSATION ACT 2010 IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Abstract
The protection of workers’ human rights involves a complex interplay of international, regional and
national laws. Legal issues often arise from the need to balance the rights of workers with the interests of
employers and the state. Workers have the right to form unions and bargain collectively, however, there
are legal restrictions or barriers to unionisation, like the issues arising from strike (the no work, no pay
policy in Nigeria), leading to disputes over the scope of these rights. Legal frameworks exist to protect
workers from sexual harassment in the workplace, but enforcement and the process proving harassment
can be challenging. Discrimination in employment violates principles of equality and non-discrimination
found in international human rights instruments like the International Covenant on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
Workers can also face illegal and unfair dismissal, leading to disputes over the reasons for termination and
the appropriate remedies.