Unshackling the Chains: A Legal Perspective on Modern-Day Slavery in Nigerian Employment

Eric Ibe, a law lecturer at Veritas University Abuja, an active member of the NBA Garki branch, and General Secretary of the Nigerian Immigration Lawyers Association (NILA), shed light on the persistent issue of modern-day slavery in Nigeria’s employment landscape.

In recent times, the spectre of modern-day slavery has cast a pervasive shadow over the country’s employment scenario, despite the abolition of traditional forms of slavery.

This article, authored by Ibe, navigates through the legal framework governing employment practices in Nigeria, exposing the lacunae that foster the continuance of modern-day slavery.

Nigeria’s legal framework for employment relations centres around the Labour Act, which defines employers’ and employees’ rights and obligations. However, the inadequacy of enforcement mechanisms and the absence of stringent penalties for violators create an environment where exploitative employment practices can flourish.

One alarming manifestation of modern-day slavery in Nigeria is the prevalence of forced labour, where individuals, often from impoverished backgrounds, are coerced into employment under deplorable conditions, in disregard of the stipulations of the Labour Act.

The issue of child labour compounds the problem, with numerous underage individuals compelled to work in hazardous conditions, violating both national and international laws.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has consistently raised concerns about the insufficient legal protections against forced labour and child labour in Nigeria. The endemic corruption within the judicial and law enforcement systems exacerbates the issue by hindering the effective enforcement of existing labour laws.

In conclusion, Ibe emphasizes that while Nigeria possesses a foundational legal framework to regulate employment relations and prevent exploitative practices, the grim reality on the ground persists. Urgent action is required, including a comprehensive review of existing legal frameworks, reinforced enforcement mechanisms, and the imposition of stringent penalties for violators to curb the menace of modern-day slavery in Nigerian employment settings.

References:

• Labour Act, Chapter L1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
• The International Labour Organization (ILO) reports on forced labour and child labour in Nigeria.
• Various human rights organizations report on modern-day slavery in Nigeria’s employment sector.

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