RETHINKING THE LEGAL STATUS OF TEMPORARY (CASUAL) WORKERS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The operation of casualisation in Nigeria labour market is a subject of great concern. It is contemporary andcontroversial in nature. It is a nonstandard work arrangement practiced globally with varying degrees ofregulation. Casual employees are increasingly filling positions that ought to be occupied by permanent workersas a result of lack of employment and poverty. Work is very essential for the survival of any citizen in any givensociety. This is because it is through work that individuals get their means of livelihood whether as an employeror an employee. Over the years the Nigerian labour market has evolved with a shift from the standard form ofemployment to a more flexible form. The tragedy of lack of employment has resulted in desperate job seekers toaccept jobs which lack security which has introduced unfair practice to the workers and the nation at large.Labour exploitation is pervasive in many organisation in Nigeria and globally. This paper theoretically examinedthe concept, effects, justification, challenges and causes of casualisation generally. The doctrinal methodologywas adopted. The paper examined the legal rights of casual workers in the national and international labour lawas other jurisdictions such as China and Ghana have been able to protect casual worker from negative practices.Indeed, there is need for the protection of casual workers in Nigeria as various recommendations have beenproffered.