Day stakeholders brainstorm on labour law

It is not in vain that Prof. Adam Smith who is considered as the father of economics recognized three factors of production namely labour, capital and land. Of all the three, he emphasized labour as the most important factor of production. It is also for this reason that major stakeholders in the Justice sector gathered […]

It is not in vain that Prof. Adam Smith who is considered as the father of economics recognized three factors of production namely labour, capital and land. Of all the three, he emphasized labour as the most important factor of production.
It is also for this reason that major stakeholders in the Justice sector gathered at a workshop in Abuja on December 9, 2015 to deliberate on the how to reform Nigeria’s Labour Act which has been in ‎since 1974.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Malam Abubakar Malami, SAN who declared the workshop opensaid the proposed amendment would put an end to casualization and discriminations in workplaces.
"In the light of the foregoing, it’s my firm believe that this reform exercise will bring the Act in conformity with the socio-economic realities of our country and international labour best practices.
"The Nigerian Law Reform Commission has proposed amendment of some provision of the labour Act to address issues of casualization, discrimination against women in respect of unemployment, discrimination against people with disabilities, lack of appropriate penalties to ensure compliance," Malami said.
‎The Acting Chairman of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission, Mr. Kefas Magaji, the organiser of the workshop, also said there is need for the amendment.
According to him, the amendment of the country’s labour law is overdue.
"Furthermore, Chapter2 of the Constitution sets out the fundamental objectives and directive principle of state policy. In particular, Section 17 (3) among others requires the state to direct its social policy towards ensuring that: (i). All citizens without discrimination have the opportunity to secure adequate means of livelihood and suitable employment; (ii). Conditions of work are just and humane; (iii). The health, safety and welfare of all persons in employment are safeguarded and not endangered or abused,’ he said.
He further said, " This provision, though not justiciable, forms the basis for assessing and holding the government accountable on its policies on Labour.
"The defects in the Act as identified by the commission have been ‎articulated and discussed in the commission’s working paper which also contained the proposed draft amendment bill. The working paper is now before you for consideration and recommendation.”
Another senior advocate, Chief Joe Gadzama, on his part said efforts must be made to stop women from being taken on the basis of their sex and also to stop the discrimination against persons with disabilities and generally to enhance,  promote and elevate the welfare of labour force in this country.
He said the country must go beyond rhetoric and appreciate workers because without them the country cannot make headway economically, and can’t succeed as a country.
"I want to see stakeholders in this country coming together to rub minds on how to enhance labour laws. After deliberation, the agreement reached should be well implemented because it is through this that we can have a better labour laws and efficient and well organised labour in this country. Without further waste of time, we must amend the existing labour Act which was passed in 1974.