An employee is said to have been discriminated against if they are treated significantly differently from other employees for reasons that are not specified in their employment agreement or that are in fact illegal.
Among the reasons for discrimination against workers in this nation include sex, age, ethnicity, religion, union membership, and political views. Positive discrimination, such as affirmative action, may be morally acceptable, although discrimination is typically difficult to defend or justify.
Despite the fact that Nigeria has adopted the ILO Equal Remuneration Convention of 1951 and the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention of 1958, it is clear that discrimination is not well protected in Nigeria. Anti-discrimination laws are not common.
Anti-discrimination legislation
The Nigerian constitution forbids discrimination based on origin, gender, religion, status, ethnic or linguistic association or ties. It is the responsibility of the state to promote national integration by providing adequate facilities, equal opportunities, and rights to all citizens without regard to race or ethnicity. Citizens of Nigeria must not be subjected to any disability or deprivation on the basis of discrimination.
There is no specific legal provision regarding discriminatory hiring practices. However, according to the Constitution, it is the duty of the state to provide equal opportunity for all citizens to secure adequate means of livelihood as well as adequate opportunity to secure suitable employment, without discrimination.
Additionally, the Labour Act expressly prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on their union membership. The Labour Act expressly prohibits discrimination against pregnant women.