Adapting domestic regulations to the ILO decent work agenda: a review of Nigeria's non-standard and informal sector.

The nature and world of work have evolved globally due to various factors, including technological advancements, globalisation, and the Covid-19 pandemic. This has led to the emergence of various types of employment relationships and work arrangements not envisaged by traditional labour laws. This challenge is particularly glaring in a developing country like Nigeria, where a significant proportion of the workforce is absorbed by the informal sector due to high rates of unemployment. Additionally, a significant percentage of workers are engaged in non-standard forms of employment, often characterised by precarious working conditions, limited access to quality jobs, and lack of social security. The ILO's Decent Work Agenda provides an integrated, comprehensive framework for the protection of all workers irrespective of type of employment or categories of workers. In light of this, it is imperative to evaluate Nigeria's labour framework to determine whether it aligns with the Decent Work Agenda particularly for the protection of informal and non-standard workers. To achieve this aim, the research employed a doctrinal legal methodology to examine the relevant labour laws, case laws and policy documents to access how well Nigeria's labour framework aligns with the Decent Work Agenda. A comparative analysis of South Africa, India, Germany and the United Kingdom was also undertaken to illustrate international best practices that can be applied to Nigeria. The approach adopted by the study involves the comprehensive analysis of the Nigerian labour framework parallel to the Decent Work Agenda to identify the gaps in existing labour laws, while proposing actionable recommendations for reforms. The findings reveal that the Nigerian labour legislative framework is primarily geared towards formal workers in traditional work settings, while overlooking informal and non-standard workers. The research recommends a comprehensive review of Nigerian labour laws to better align it with the Decent Work Agenda. This is crucial for the protection of all Nigerian workers and for achieving economic sustainability, as outlined by the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Robert Gordon University

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Okeagu, Adamma Chioma

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• J. Mante, E. Ezeani and J.A. Debski

• International Labour Organization (ILO)
• Decent work agenda
• Informal employment
• Non-standard work
• Labour law reform
• Nigeria labour framework
• Sustainable development goals

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

oai:rgu-repository.worktribe.com:3210081
https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-3210081

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:rgu-repository.worktribe.com:3210081