Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Discrimination, in terms of legal parlance in Nigeria, generally refers to the unfair or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, sex, or disability. Although Nigeria has a federal system of government, each state has some autonomy in legal affairs, and thus, the enforcement and awareness might vary. In Ilorin, like the rest of Nigeria, discrimination as per the constitution is prohibited and legal remedies can be sought against who exhibits such behavior. It is also important to note that the full applicability of discrimination laws also extends to employment practices.
Individuals may require legal help in discrimination cases due to various reasons, some of which include: allegations of workplace discrimination or harassment, claims of discriminatory practices in educational institutions, unjust treatment due to ethnicity, age, gender or disability, etc. A lawyer can provide assistance in understanding your rights under the local laws, help you gather evidence, represent you during court proceedings, and advise you on the best course of legal action.
The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria prohibits discrimination in its Section 42. This provision stipulates that no citizen of Nigeria shall be subjected to any form of disability or deprivation merely by reason of the circumstances of his birth. Additionally, the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2010 and the Nigerian Labour Act, 2004, contain important provisions related to discrimination and employment. In Ilorin, these national laws are upheld and enforced by local authorities.
Any behavior that treats you less favorably due to your race, sex, age, religion, nationality, disability, among others, is considered a form of discrimination.
You can report the instance to your local human rights commission, or directly approach a lawyer. Make sure to collect evidence, such as emails, text messages, or testimonies from witnesses to prove discriminatory behavior.
No, it is illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for reporting discriminatory behavior. If such retaliation occurs, it would escalate the violation, and legal remedies should be pursued.
The compensation varies greatly based on the individual case. It can range from emotional distress damages, to lost wages, or even punitive damages in some cases.
There isn't necessarily a set timeline as it depends on the complexity of the case. However, it's important to act promptly when seeking legal action for discrimination.
You could reach out to the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria (NHRC), which is a government organization that deals with violations of human rights. Local non-governmental organizations like the Women's Rights and Health Project (WRAHP) and the International Centre for Advocacy on Right to Health (ICARH) also work in this field.
If you believe that you have been a victim of discrimination and need legal help, first gather as much evidence as you can. Reach out to a local lawyer specialized in discrimination cases in order to understand your rights and plan your course of action. Make sure to retain all correspondence related to the discrimination incident for potential legal proceedings. You can also consider reporting it to the relevant authorities or human rights organizations who may be able to provide further assistance.
