Abstract
The casualization of labour in Nigeria has become widespread with employers in both public and private sectors increasingly relying on casual workers to cut costs amid economic challenges. This practice has led to conflicts between workers, labour unions, and employers. Employers view casualization as flexible and cost-effective, while labour unions argue it infringes on workers’ rights to unionize and engage in collective bargaining. Casual workers face significant disadvantages compared to permanent employees, including lack of benefits, statutory protection, and lower pay. They are often deprived of compensation for injuries, union memberships, collective bargaining rights, and social security benefits. This paper analysed the rise of casualization in Nigeria, its legal framework and its adequacy. It identified massive unemployment and globalization as key factors driving casualization. It highlighted the precarious nature of casual work, which leads to instability, lack of essential benefits, and vulnerability to exploitation. The paper submitted that the absence of enforceable labour laws for casual employment in Nigeria exacerbates these issues, contributing to poverty and socioeconomic inequality. It recommended inter alia that Nigeria’s labour laws, particularly the Labour Act 2004, be amended to align with international standards and adequately regulate casualization in line with the lessons from other jurisdictions like the USA, China and Ghana.
Keywords: Casualization, Employment, Nigeria Labour Rights, Legal Framework