Experts Advocate Regulation and Licensing for Domestic Workers in Nigeria

Abuja: Experts have called for urgent formalisation and regulation of domestic work in Nigeria, stressing that domestic workers remain largely invisible, unprotected, and vulnerable to exploitation. They made the call at the end of the five-day 7th Annual Criminal Law Review Conference organized by the Rule of Law Development Foundation (ROLDF). According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Ozioma Izuora, a lecturer at Baze University, Abuja, highlighted the critical issues facing domestic workers. She emphasized that although domestic workers are integral parts of households, they remain invisible and unprotected. Izuora noted that the Igbo apprenticeship scheme serves as a positive model for training and wealth creation but lamented the government's lack of attention to formalizing or learning from this model. She pointed out the widespread issues of exploitation, underpayment, and abuse, despite existing protections under the Child Rights Act. Mr. Hygenus Ibaga, a legal practitioner, noted that domestic work remains one of the most undervalued and least regulated sectors in Nigeria, despite its importance in supporting households and the economy. He highlighted the need for a legal framework that recognizes domestic workers as formal staff entitled to rights and protection. Ibaga also mentioned that while some laws offer protections, enforcement is weak, and Nigeria has yet to ratify ILO Convention 189, which guarantees fair working conditions for domestic workers. Mrs. Linda Raji, project officer of ROLDF, pointed out that weak institutions and entrenched social norms are significant obstacles to enforcing domestic workers' rights. She explained that informality and secret recruitment without written contracts make enforcement difficult. Raji stressed the necessity for safe reporting channels and nationwide awareness campaigns to protect domestic workers. Dr. Balogun Makanjuola, a resource specialist, underscored that poverty and unemployment exacerbate the vulnerability of domestic workers in Nigeria. He expl ained that the supply of cheap labor continues to rise, and domestic workers often accept low pay due to lack of bargaining power. Makanjuola emphasized that while formal standards are necessary, implementation must consider Nigeria's socio-economic realities. Mr. Massoud Oredola advocated for greater protection and fair treatment of domestic workers, drawing on Islamic teachings about leadership, duty, and compassion within households. He stressed that kindness and service to others are fundamental principles, urging for fair compensation and protection for domestic workers.