Labour Act (Nigeria)

Legal Definition

The Labour Act (Cap L1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004) is the primary statute governing contracts of employment for workers — defined as persons employed on manual or clerical work, not in a managerial capacity. Key provisions: **Written terms (s. 7)**: An employer must provide a written statement of employment terms — rate of wages, method of calculation, intervals of payment, conditions — before or on commencement of work. **Wage payment (ss. 4–5)**: Wages must be paid at agreed intervals (not more than one month apart), in full, in legal tender (cash or agreed bank transfer), directly to the worker. Unauthorized deductions are prohibited. **Criminal offence to withhold wages (s. 78)**: Any employer who wilfully refuses or neglects to pay wages due commits a criminal offence. **Notice periods (s. 9)**: Minimum notice periods are graduated by length of service. Either party must give notice or pay wages in lieu. **Terminal benefits (s. 11)**: On termination, the employer must pay all wages due, accrued leave pay, and any gratuity or long-service benefit. **Written reasons for termination (s. 48)**: An employee dismissed after six months' service is entitled to a written statement of reasons for termination on request. **No discrimination (s. 9(3))**: An employer shall not exclude any person from employment on grounds of sex, religion, ethnic group, or place of origin.