Abuja: Experts have called for urgent formalisation and regulation of domestic work in Nigeria, stressing that domestic workers remain largely invisible, unprotected, and vulnerable to exploitation. They made the call at the end of the five-day 7th Annual Criminal Law Review Conference organised by the Rule of Law Development Foundation (ROLDF), in Abuja.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Ozioma Izuora, a lecturer at Baze University, Abuja, emphasised that domestic workers are integral to households yet remain invisible and unprotected. She highlighted the Igbo apprenticeship scheme as a positive institutional model for training and wealth creation, lamenting the government's lack of attention to formalising or learning from this model. Izuora noted that despite protections under the Child Rights Act, cases of exploitation, underpayment, physical abuse, and sexual violence are widespread. She underscored the need for government monitoring, licensing of private agencies, and the establishment of a dispute-resolution mechanism, especially since Nigeria's adoption of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 189 obligates the country to ensure decent working conditions for domestic workers.

Mr. Hygenus Ibaga, a legal practitioner, stated that domestic work remains undervalued and poorly regulated in Nigeria, despite its essential role in supporting households and the wider economy. He argued that domestic work has historically been treated as a private arrangement rather than a formal job, leaving workers vulnerable. Ibaga pointed out that while the constitution protects rights such as dignity and liberty, the absence of dedicated legislation leaves domestic workers exposed. He noted the consolidation of two Senate bills into the Domestic Workers' Protection Bill, passed by the Senate but awaiting approval in the House of Representatives, urging the National Assembly to expedite the process.

Mrs. Linda Raji, Project Officer of ROLDF, cited weak institutions and entrenched social norms as major obstacles to enforcing domestic workers' rights in Nigeria. She observed that recruitment often occurs through unlicensed agents without formal contracts, leaving workers, mainly women and underage girls, at risk of exploitation. Raji called for nationwide awareness campaigns and the establishment of safe reporting channels to protect workers, stressing that domestic work should not involve children below 16.

Dr. Balogun Makanjuola, a resource specialist, identified poverty and unemployment as key barriers to effectively protecting domestic workers. He explained that the supply of cheap labor, especially among young people, continues to rise, forcing workers to accept low pay due to a lack of bargaining power. Makanjuola warned that without addressing structural issues like poverty and poor governance, formalised standards might create friction and limit the effectiveness of proposed legislation.

Mr. Massoud Oredola highlighted the need for greater protection and fair treatment of domestic workers, drawing on Islamic teachings that emphasize leadership, duty, and compassion. He stressed that kindness and service to others should guide interactions with domestic workers, advocating for fair compensation for additional tasks, akin to global standards for overtime and holiday pay.