A bill aimed at documenting and safeguarding domestic workers and their employers has progressed to the second reading in the Senate.
Presented by Hussaini Babangida member representing Jigawa state, the bill addresses the increasing incidents of assaults and abuse suffered by domestic workers, including slave labor, physical assaults, and sexual abuse.
Babangida said that due to urbanization and hectic lifestyles, many families rely on domestic workers, yet these workers remain vulnerable without proper legal protections.
Senator Babangida-Uba chaired a recent Senate debate in which concerns were raised regarding Nigeria’s lack of regulation for domestic workers. Senator Uba stated that many domestic workers in the country violate labor regulations and are frequently unregistered, including non-Nigerians. The proposed bill seeks to safeguard both domestic workers and their employers, preventing collaboration with criminal forces and ensuring justice for all parties concerned.
Senator Sani Musa made a comparison to the United Kingdom, highlighting the importance of a regulated recruitment process for domestic workers to protect their rights. Senator Adams Oshiomhole emphasized domestic workers’ vulnerability to abuses such as rape and harassment, while also highlighting the risks posed by employers. He underlined the necessity of fair compensation.
Sen. Simon Lalong, a former labour minister, supported the bill, noting a recent International Labour Organisation forum on decent work rights. He provided a success story about a domestic worker who excelled academically while receiving good treatment, emphasizing the potential of domestic workers when given sufficient support.
The bill received unanimous support and was referred to the Committee on Labour and Productivity for further review. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has set a four-week timeline for its return to plenary.