Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) - Nigeria (Ratification: 1974)

1. The Committee notes the adoption of a new Constitution in 1999. It notes in particular article 17(3)(e), which states that "there is equal pay for equal work without discrimination on account of sex, or on any other ground whatsoever". Noting that this is the same wording as in the former Constitution, the Committee is bound to point out once again that the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value provides broader protection against gender discrimination because it requires remuneration rates to be established on the basis of an analytical assessment of the value of the job using objective criteria. The Committee is still of the opinion that the narrow formulation of article 17(3)(e) of the Constitution does not in itself ensure the application of the principle set out in the Convention. Noting that a wage gap between men and women persists in the country and that the labour market is highly sex-segregated, the Committee asks the Government to provide information with its next report on the legislative or other regulatory measures which have been taken or are envisaged to ensure the full implementation of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value.

2. In this connection, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that it is currently reviewing all national labour legislation. The Committee hopes that the Government will take the opportunity afforded by its review of labour laws to ensure that the national legislation is in conformity with the principle of equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value, as provided for in the Convention.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.