A Bill for Prohibition of casualization in all forms of employment in both private and public sector in the country has passed second reading on the floor of the Nigerian Senate.
The Bill, sponsored by Senator Ayo Akinyelure representing Ondo Central Senatorial was read the second time and referred to the Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity to be reported back within four weeks.
Senator Adelere Oriolowo who seconded the bill said, “I want to suggest that we find a way of abolishing inequality in our workforce and I want to support this bill 100 per-cent.”
Supporting the bill, Senator Smart Adeyemi said, “This is one of the reasons why we are here. We are here to make laws that will enhance the overall development of our nation. A percentage of people who have been captured into this category of workers are people who are brilliant but came from less privileged homes. I want to commend my colleague for bringing this Bill. 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 pronounced in the banking industry and in the oil industry.”
Senator Tokunbo Abiru in his debate supported the amendment of the bill for the public sector but said caution must be exercised in amending the private sector.
“Casualization of employment has reduced the quality of services we get from our establishment. I support this Bill and I hope that my colleagues will do the same because of the merit of this Bill.” – Senator Uche Ekwunife
Also in support of the bill is Senator Biodun Olujimi who said, “It is important to note that casualization lowers the self-esteem of anyone and the moment it lowers self-esteem, those people will never become full members of our society. In the Banking industry, our girls have been turned into what we cannot imagine. We need to have a legal framework that will ensure that casualization does not exist. All this boils down to one thing – the 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.”
Senator Barau Jibrin, very passionate about the bill, wants the senate to urgently review some of the laws in order to ensure that the workforce is adequately protected.
He said, “I stand to support this Bill in its entirety. We need to protect our citizens and our youths. Every business wants to cut costs. Those areas that we are talking about like in developed countries have strong laws that are used to protect the workers. There is a need to look at our laws and review our laws to make sure that we protect our youths. Sometimes this issue of casualization is not due to necessity but used to cut cost. We must make a law that will stop casualization of workers in this country. I support this Bill and urge my colleagues to support this Bill to protect our workforce.”
