The Nigeria Labour Congress and affiliates have intensified efforts to secure full bargaining rights for domestic workers, emphasising that they must be recognised as formal employees under Nigerian labour laws.

The union is currently working to ensure domestic workers are registered as a trade union, granting them better protection, fair wages, and improved working conditions.

Recall that a bill to domesticate the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights in Nigeria, sponsored by Hon. Akin Alabi, has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.

The proposed law seeks to ensure fair wages, better working conditions, and legal recognition for domestic workers—one of the most vulnerable labour groups.

Alabi stressed the urgent need to formalise their protection.

Speaking with The PUNCH on the recent development, an NLC senior official, who insisted on anonymity, stressed the urgent need for stronger labour administration laws and urged the National Assembly to act decisively.

He said, “The Federal Executive Council brings these labour administration laws, but the National Assembly must go beyond this. Domestic workers are workers, and they deserve full union rights.

“We have already started working with them to ensure they are formally registered.”

He emphasised that without proper legal recognition, domestic workers remain highly vulnerable to exploitation, job insecurity, and unfair treatment by employers.

“The union is pushing for urgent legislative reforms that will institutionalise their rights, reinforcing the importance of collective bargaining as a fundamental labour principle,” he stated.

Also, the General Secretary of the Federation of Informal Workers Organisation of Nigeria, Gbenga Komolafe, said, “The progression of this bill signifies a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s labour landscape, promising enhanced protections and recognition for domestic workers nationwide.

“FIWON has been instrumental in advocating for these changes. Reflecting on the bill’s progression.

“Initially when the bill came, we were all excited, but when we looked at the draft, the first draft, it was nothing to write home about,” he remarked.

He recounted FIWON’s proactive engagement with lawmakers.


https://punchng.com/nlc-seeks-domestic-workers-unionisation/