…Employers of under-18s risk 2 months jail or ₦500,000 fine
By Henry Umoru, Abuja
The Senate has passed the Informal Sector Employment (Regulation) Bill, aimed at formalising, protecting, and regulating the employment of domestic workers, apprentices, interns, and other informal sector employees across Nigeria.
The bill, which scaled third reading on Wednesday, mandates the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to enforce and implement its provisions.
According to the Senate, the legislation was prompted by the rising cases of assault, abuse, and exploitation of domestic workers, including child labour, slave-like conditions, and lack of fair compensation.
The bill also seeks to domesticate the International Labour Organization’s Domestic Workers Convention (No. 189) of 2011, which calls on governments to safeguard domestic workers from violence and exploitation.
Under the new law, any employer who deliberately hires a person below 18 years commits an offence and, upon conviction, is liable to two months imprisonment or a fine of ₦500,000—or both.
It further provides that any child or ward under 18 living with a guardian must be enrolled in full-time education or vocational training. Guardians who fail to comply face six months imprisonment or a ₦500,000 fine—or both.
The bill also criminalises the physical abuse of domestic workers, prescribing punishment in line with existing assault and battery laws.
The legislation consolidates two related bills sponsored by Senators Babangida Hussaini (APC, Jigawa North-West) and Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), following the adoption of a report presented by Senator Diket Plang (APC, Plateau Central), Chairman, Senate Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity.
According to the committee’s findings, the bill is supported by stakeholders who believe it will curb rising exploitation, child labour, and violence involving domestic workers, apprentices, and interns.
Senator Plang noted that the law provides for a centralised database and biometric registration of domestic workers and employers to enhance monitoring and security.
He said the framework will ensure fair treatment, decent wages, and respect for domestic workers’ rights, while promoting a more equitable and dignified labour environment in Nigeria.
The post Senate passes informal sector employment regulation bill appeared first on Vanguard News.
