Human Rights, Workers Rights and Equality in the Nigerian Workplace: An overview

Abstract

The origin of work based rights was ascribed to the commencement of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century and the realization of the need for conducive work environments and protecting workers from undue exploitation by the employers. This served as a springboard for the evolution of the International Human rights system .So in a way human rights can be said to be the source of workers’ rights. The essence of employment is to improve the wellbeing of people with an attendant multiplier effect on national development. Therefore, the state should enact adequate laws to uphold workers and human rights, and ensure compliance by partners.This paper examined the concept and essence of human rights. It also outlined major provisions of the Nigerian constitution and Labour Act with respect to workers and human rights. In highlighting the nexus between workers rights and equality, the paper evaluated the implications of these provisions on Nigerian workers with special reference to women. The author concluded by analyzing the state of workers  and human rights using five international reports and stressing  the centrality of workers/human rights in engendering social stability, economic progress and lasting peace in Nigeria

Keywords: Human rights, workers rights, laws, Equality, United Nations