By The Nigerian Senate, at a plenary session on Thursday, proposed a law against the casualization of employment in the country.
The legislation titled “A Bill for an Act to provide for the Prohibition of casualization in all forms of employment in the private and public sector in Nigeria and for related matters, 2021 (SB. 329)” was introduced by Senator Ayo Akinyelure.
While seconding the motion, Senator Adelere Oriolowo suggested that the Senate find a way to abolish inequality in the country’s workforce.
According to the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, there should be a public hearing on the bill to give room for contributions from the lawmakers.
In his contribution, Senator Smart Adeyemi explained that the percentage of people who have been captured into this category of workers are people who are brilliant but came from less privileged homes.
“It is worse in the banking industry Mr. President and we will make history if we do not allow this system to stand any longer. This is a system that is more pronounce in the banking industry and in the oil industry,” he said.
He added that the legislature exists to make laws that will enhance the overall development of the nation, hence the bill is commendable.
Senator Tokunbo Abiru said the bill should be amended, adding that implementing this new law in the private sector calls for caution.
The passage of the piece of legislation, in the opinion of Senator Biodun Olujimi, will provide a legal framework that will ensure that casualization does not exist in the workforce.
He also raised concerns over the plight of female young Nigerians in the banking industry, saying they “have been turned into what we cannot imagine.”
Olujimi added: “All this boils down to one thing – government has not done its part well. Creation of jobs is most essential. If we have jobs, nobody will be doing this to our children. And the best way to go is to pass this Bill and let it go for public hearing.”
The bill was read for the second time, and referred to the Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity which is expected to report back within four weeks.
