By Fatima Saka
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour, and Productivity, Senator Diket Plang (Plateau Central), has once again called on the Minister of Labour and Employment to fully support the Domestic Workers Documentation and Protection Bill (SB270, 2024).
The bill aims to create a comprehensive record of domestic workers and their employers, ensuring workers have guarantors and are protected from exploitation and abuse.
Speaking at an interactive session with the minister in Abuja on Tuesday, Senator Plang stressed the bill’s importance in setting proper working conditions for domestic workers, similar to international labour standards.
“In developed countries, hiring domestic staff involves clear guidelines—work hours, wages, and accommodation. But here in Nigeria, we lack proper records, leaving both workers and employers vulnerable. This bill will address those gaps by ensuring accountability and protection.”
He also highlighted that many stakeholders supported the bill during its public hearing, but some were unable to voice their opinions due to limited time and space.
Bill Sponsor Calls for Ministry’s Support
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa North-West), expressed disappointment over the Labour Ministry’s lukewarm response to the proposed legislation.
“I was surprised when the Ministry resisted the bill’s progression. This bill is for the greater good of Nigerians, ensuring security, protection, and economic benefits.”
Hussaini recounted a tragic 1998 incident that inspired the bill—where domestic workers conspired to murder their employer and disappeared after being granted bail due to lack of proper records.
He outlined three key benefits of the bill:
1. Establishing a Domestic Workers Information Center within the Labour Ministry to register workers and keep biometric data for tracking and security purposes.
2. Enabling security agencies to access this data, ensuring swift action in cases of abuse or crime.
3. Protecting workers from exploitation while also preventing employers from falling victim to dishonest employees.
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Additionally, the bill proposes generating revenue by requiring employment agencies to register and pay fees, creating job opportunities for unemployed graduates.
In response, Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, Pledges Support and commended the Senate for prioritizing domestic workers’ welfare.
“Domestic workers are among the most vulnerable in our labour market, facing low wages and poor working conditions. This bill is a timely initiative that will ensure they receive the dignity and rights they deserve.”
He assured the Senate that the Ministry is committed to supporting the bill, aligning it with international labour standards, and incorporating necessary amendments from the public hearing.
“We have already started working on the ratification of the International Labour Organization (ILO) convention on domestic workers. Recognizing domestic workers legally will help prevent abuse, enhance labour standards, and create a more organized workforce.”
The minister also suggested further consultations with key labour organizations like the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to refine the bill.
“Let’s seize this opportunity to make history by laying a strong foundation for fair and just labour practices in Nigeria.”
With broad support from lawmakers and stakeholders, the bill is expected to move forward in the Senate, potentially transforming the domestic labour sector in Nigeria.
