Nigeria
Overview
Please review the information below and then return to the workplace harassment prevention course.
Harassment and discrimination based on a protected characteristic are prohibited under national law.
Applicable Laws
The primary national laws prohibiting employment discrimination and harassment on the basis of any protected characteristic are:
- The Constitution,
- The HIV and AIDS Anti-discrimination Act, and
- The Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
Protected Characteristics
Harassment or discrimination based on any characteristic set forth below is prohibited in Nigeria.
- Community
- Ethnic group
- Place of origin
- Sex
- Religion
- Political opinion
- Circumstances of birth
- HIV or AIDS status
- Disability
Regional, state or other political subdivision laws may provide additional, separate standards and remedies for certain prohibited conduct.
Definitions
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is means an unwanted, unpleasant, offensive or
threatening conduct of a sexual nature, distinguished from sexual attention that is welcome and mutual.
Sexual attention becomes sexual harassment if:
- the behavior is persistent, or
- the recipient has made it clear that the behaviour is offensive, or
- the perpetrator should have known that the behaviour is regarded
as unacceptable.
Filing a Claim in Nigeria
A claim for employment discrimination or harassment may be brought before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
Potential Remedies
In Nigeria, an employee who has experienced workplace discrimination or harassment may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and benefits as well as damages for injury to dignity or feelings.
Retaliation Prohibited
Employer retaliation against an employee who files a complaint relating to discrimination or harassment or is involved in the complaint process is unlawful.
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only.
It does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.