The House of Representatives is advancing a groundbreaking bill, known as 'The Employees Remuneration Protection Bill, 2023,' which could criminalize the delayed or failed payment of employees' salaries by employers and corporate entities in Nigeria.
Sponsored by Wale Hammed, a House member representing the Agege Federal constituency in Lagos State, the bill has passed its first reading. Key provisions include the criminalization of employers who neglect to pay their employees' remuneration, with penalties ranging from three to six months imprisonment for guilty parties.
Additionally, corporate entities failing to comply with court orders regarding employee remuneration risk daily fines of N10,000 or potential closure for up to three months.
The bill also establishes stringent obligations for employers, mandating the provision of written terms of employment within fourteen working days of an employee's return, and safeguards employees from disciplinary actions for petitioning the court for unpaid remuneration. Furthermore, it prioritizes the payment of outstanding remuneration to employees in the event of an employer's bankruptcy.
The proposed legislation aims to protect workers' rights and ensure timely salary payments, signaling a potential shift in labor practices
