Hold onto your (non-existent) pay slips, folks, because the Nigerian House of Reps is sending a clear message to employers who like to play “keep-away” with salaries: pay up or face the music!
That’s right, a brand new bill, dubbed the “Employees Remuneration Protection Bill, 2023,” is aiming to make wage theft a criminal offense, meaning those who dare to stiff their workers could be looking at jail time, not just a stern talking-to from HR.
This bill, sponsored by the brave Wale Hammed from Agege, Lagos, packs a punch. It basically says: mess with workers’ wages, and you’re messing with the law.
Imagine this: you’ve toiled away all month, sweat dripping, fingers flying, only to be met with an empty bank account and a radio-silent boss when payday rolls around. Frustrating? Infuriating? Absolutely! But under this proposed law, that kind of shenanigans could land your employer in hot water. No more begging, pleading, or hoping for a miracle – just file a written claim, sit back, and watch the legal eagles work their magic.
Of course, this isn’t just about getting back at stingy bosses. It’s about protecting the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians who depend on their salaries to put food on the table and keep the roof over their heads. It’s about sending a strong signal that workers’ rights matter, and that stealing their hard-earned wages won’t be tolerated.
Section 7 (1) of the bill provides that it is unlawful for any employer to “Refuse or neglect to pay the remuneration of his employees, as provided under this Act.”
Section 8 (1) of the bill states that if an employee’s compensation remains unpaid beyond the specified period permitted by this legislation, the employee may submit a written demand to their employer for the payment of their entitlement if they wish to assert their claim.
Therefore, “if an employee fails to remit payment within five business days following service of a demand under Section 9 of this bill, the employee may petition the court for redress by filing a motion on notice.”
So, will this bill be the answer to all our salary woes? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: it’s a step in the right direction, a much-needed weapon in the fight against wage theft. So, let’s raise a glass (or maybe just a cup of garri, considering the economy) to the House of Reps for taking this bold step.
Now, let’s see if they can actually get this bill through the Senate and onto the President’s desk. Fingers crossed, Nigeria!
