Human Rights in the Workplace: Building a Fair and Inclusive Career Path in Nigeria and the Developing World

 — By Dr. SB Adams

In recent years, global attention to workplace human rights has intensified, and for good reason. Across developing regions, including Nigeria, evidence consistently shows that discrimination, inequitable pay, unsafe working environments, and restricted career mobility remain widespread. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (2019) reported that over 60% of employees in various sectors experienced discrimination, while the International Labour Organization (ILO) continues to highlight how women, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and informal-sector workers face disproportionate levels of workplace injustice. The World Economic Forum’s 2023 Global Gender Gap Report reinforces this reality, projecting that at the current pace, the world may need 131 years to close gender equality gaps.

In countries like Nigeria, these global trends intersect with local challenges, weak enforcement of labour laws, widespread informal employment, cultural biases, limited social protections, and inadequate workplace monitoring. Yet, the need to uphold human rights at work has never been more urgent. In an economy trying to diversify, innovate, and compete, respectful and inclusive workplaces are no longer “good to have”—they are foundational for national development.

This article explores the concept of workplace human rights, unpacks Nigeria-specific challenges, and outlines practical steps for building fair, inclusive career pathways across Africa and the developing world.

What Do Human Rights in the Workplace Really Mean?

Human rights in the workplace refer to the basic freedoms and protections that employees should enjoy simply by virtue of being human. They ensure dignity, fairness, and equal opportunity regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, religion, socioeconomic background, or disability status.

1. Freedom from discrimination

This is the cornerstone of workplace justice. However, discriminatory practices, whether in hiring, promotion, pay, leadership opportunities, or daily interactions, persist globally.

(i) Nigeria’s Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill, though not yet fully passed at the federal level, aims to align national laws with international human rights frameworks and prevent discrimination in employment, pay, and access to opportunities.

(ii) In the private sector, some organisations have voluntarily embraced gender equity. For instance, Access Bank’s W Initiative continues to support women’s professional and entrepreneurial advancement.

(iii) Internationally, companies like Salesforce have spent millions addressing pay gaps, demonstrating that equality requires deliberate investment rather than good intentions alone.

2. Fair Wages and Safe Working Conditions

In Nigeria and across the developing world, many workers, especially in the informal sector, still operate in unsafe environments with limited protections.

(i) The ILO estimates that over 2.9 million workers globally die annually from work-related accidents or diseases.

(ii) Tragedies such as the 2013 Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh led to the Bangladesh Accord, a global example of enforceable safety intervention.

(iii) Locally, sectors such as construction, mining, manufacturing, and agriculture remain high-risk in Nigeria due to inconsistent safety monitoring.

Meanwhile, the rise of gig work in Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, and Johannesburg has created new debates about minimum wage, insurance, and worker protections for riders, dispatch operators, and freelancers.

3. Freedom of Expression and Association

The right to speak up, unionize, and protest unfair workplace treatment is critical.
Nigeria’s Trade Union Act legally guarantees workers’ rights to organise, though in practice these rights may be challenged by restrictive employer policies or informal work arrangements.

Globally, examples like the unionization efforts at Amazon warehouses show how workers continue to fight for better working conditions despite resistance. Tools such as the ITUC Global Rights Index offer evidence of the ongoing struggle for labor rights worldwide.

Why Human Rights Matter for Career Development in Nigeria

a. Fairness promotes productivity and growth.

Studies by Gallup show that workplaces where employees feel respected record a 17% increase in productivity.
This is not abstract theory. In Nigeria:

(i) Access Bank, Nestlé Nigeria, and Nigerian Breweries have demonstrated that employee-friendly policies directly improve staff retention and corporate performance.

(ii) Companies in the technology sector, such as Andela and Flutterwave (in its early years), benefited from creating environments where diverse talent could collaborate and innovate.

b. Well-being enhances performance

Healthy employees are more creative, committed, and productive.

(i)Safaricom (Kenya) provides free health and wellness services to employees.

(ii) Global companies like Microsoft offer extensive mental health programs.

In Nigeria, however, discussions on mental health at work are still emerging. Many employees continue to suffer burnout, harassment, and toxic work cultures in silence. Strengthening workplace well-being policies is essential for lasting national productivity.

c. Diversity drives innovation

As McKinsey’s research shows, ethnically diverse companies are 35% more likely to outperform competitors financially.
In the Nigerian context, our multiethnic, multicultural workforce offers unique advantages when harnessed effectively. Businesses like the Dangote Group, which draw talent from across the country, show how diversity can be a source of resilience and innovation.

However, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) must balance inclusion with competence. International debates, such as affirmative action controversies in the U.S. highlight that diversity initiatives should strengthen, not weaken, meritocracy. Firms like Infosys demonstrate that it is possible to prioritize both diversity and skills-based hiring.

Building a Fair and Inclusive Career Path

A rights-respecting workplace depends on conscious efforts from both employees and employers.

For Employees

#1. Know Your Rights

Understanding your legal protections is the first step toward advocacy.
Key frameworks include:

(i) Nigeria’s Labour Act

(ii) Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999)

(iii) Universal Declaration of Human Rights

(iv) ILO Core Conventions

Knowledge empowers workers, particularly women, interns, contract staff, and persons with disabilities who often face higher vulnerability.

#2. Build Networks

Professional networks can help employees navigate bias, secure mentorship, and accelerate career growth.

Examples include:

(i) Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG)

(ii) Nigeria Bar Association, NMA, NSE, NIM, and others

(iii) International Women’s Forum (IWF)

(iv) Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Networking improves visibility and supports collective action.

For Employers

#1. Enforce Anti-Discrimination Policies

Policies must be clear, enforceable, and backed by leadership commitment.
This includes:

(i) regular staff training

(ii) confidential reporting systems

(iii) transparent disciplinary procedures

Companies such as Google and leading Nigerian banks provide useful models.

#2. Build Mentorship and Career Advancement Programs

Mentorship can help correct systemic imbalances.

(i) Accenture’s global mentorship model shows how guided career support can diversify leadership pipelines.

(ii) Locally, the Fate Foundation, WIMBIZ, and tech-sector initiatives have enabled thousands of professionals to access training and guidance.

Strong mentorship shifts human rights principles from theory to practice.

Conclusion

Human rights in the workplace are not abstract ideals; they are practical foundations for thriving careers, productive organizations, and sustainable national development. For Nigeria and much of the developing world, building fair workplace systems requires deliberate action: from policymakers enforcing clear labor laws to employers creating equitable environments to employees standing up for their dignity.

When fairness becomes the norm, not the exception, we unlock higher productivity, stronger institutions, greater innovation, and a more inclusive society. The future of work in Nigeria depends on the commitments we make today.