Nigerian Government Bars Employers From Sacking Women, Increases Maternity Leave

Nigerian Government Bars Employers From Sacking Women, Increases Maternity Leave

The Federal Government of Nigeria has barred public and private sectors from sacking women from work either due to their marital or maternity status.

Making the announcement Wednesday, the Minister for labour and employment, Chris Ngige said both private and public sectors employers have also been barred from sacking.

He also announced the increase by Federal Government the maternity leave for women from three to four months.

Ngige disclosed this at the ongoing international labour congress (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland, where he said: “Employers of labour in Nigeria are, by regulation, requested to provide workplace creches for nursing mothers for ease at workplace,” he said.

“In the public service, government recently increased the period for maternity leave from 12 to 16 weeks, to allow enough recuperation for both baby and mother, especially in the area of breastfeeding.

“In addition, all disciplinary proceedings against any female staff, which might have been taken during the period of her maternity leave, shall be put in abeyance till the expiration of the leave.

“Employers of labour are barred from removal of women from work due to their marital or maternity status.”