The National Union of Hotels and Personal Services Workers (NUHPSW), in collaboration with the International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF), has renewed its call on the Federal Government to ratify the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Convention 189 (C189) on Decent Work for Domestic Workers.
The union made the call during the capacity-building workshops for domestic workers, held in Calabar, Cross River State; Uyo, Akwa Ibom State; and Owerri, Imo State, where it highlighted the difficult and precarious working conditions faced by domestic workers across the country.
Speaking at the workshops, NUHPSW Domestic Workers Coordinator, Comrade Yahaya Leah, said millions of domestic workers continue to work under conditions that fall short of decent work standards.
She said many domestic workers endure long working hours without adequate rest, low or unpaid wages, the absence of written employment contracts, physical and verbal abuse, and little or no access to social protection.
‘Domestic workers remain one of the most vulnerable and invisible groups in Nigeria’s labour force. They cook, clean, care for children and the elderly, yet they are denied the basic rights that other workers enjoy,’ Leah said.
Nigeria adopted ILO Convention 189 in 2011, but has yet to ratify it. Leah said ratification would provide a stronger legal framework for protecting domestic workers and bring Nigeria closer to full compliance with international labour standards on domestic work.
She also commended the National Assembly for what she described as the progressive Domestic Workers Bill of Rights (HB 1765), sponsored by Honourable Akin Alabi, representing Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency of Oyo State.
The bill, which has passed second reading in the House of Representatives, seeks to establish minimum employment standards, guarantee fair treatment and provide legal safeguards for domestic workers who have historically operated with limited legal protection.
Leah praised Alabi for his legislative efforts, describing him as a strong voice for the rights and protection of domestic workers.
She said the bill represents an important step towards translating the principles of ILO Convention 189 into enforceable protections for domestic workers in Nigeria, stressing that domestic work should be recognised as legitimate work deserving of dignity, fair treatment and legal protection.
NUHPSW and IDWF commended the lawmaker for his commitment, describing the bill as a significant milestone in efforts to address exploitation and improve working conditions in the domestic work sector.
The union also commended the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for its advocacy on fair migration policies aimed at protecting Nigerians who travel abroad for work in the informal sector, particularly those employed as domestic workers and caregivers.
Leah, however, stressed that legislative progress alone would not be sufficient without the ratification and effective implementation of ILO Convention 189.
‘While the progress being made is encouraging, the ultimate goal remains the full ratification of C189 and the enactment and effective implementation of strong protective laws,’ she said.
‘We urge the Federal Government and the National Assembly to accelerate the process. Domestic workers deserve recognition, dignity and legal protection. Domestic work is work, and it must be treated as such.’
The campaign for improved rights and working conditions for domestic workers is expected to continue through advocacy, capacity building and public enlightenment, as NUHPSW and the IDWF intensify efforts to secure stronger legal and institutional protection for the sector.