Reps seek registration of foreign employers

The House of Representatives yesterday passed for second reading a bill seeking to provide for compulsory and free registration of all foreign employers of labour operating in Nigeria.

The bill, sponsored by House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila (APC, Lagos) and Rep Edward Pwajok (PDP, Plateau) also provides for a fine of N500,000 or 2-year imprisonment or both for violators.

Leading debate on the motion, Gbajabiamila said the amendment was to ensure the protection of Nigerians against unwholesome practices by foreigners.

He said Section 69 of the Labour Act should be amended by creating a new section to provide that “Subject to the provisions of section 68 this Act, the Minister shall make regulations for the registration of foreign employers.”

He said the regulations made under the section should provide for the compulsory and free registration of all foreign employers of labour and the mode of registration shall be prescribed in the regulations as well as prescribe the manner of, and conditions for registration and the person by whom and the manner in which the register is to be maintained.

Contributing to the debate, Deputy Speaker Yussuf Suleiman Lasun, said the amendment was one of the most important contributions the House could offer to Nigeria at this time.

The bill was referred to the committee on labour, employment and productivity for further legislative action.