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The problem of harassment within the workplace is a burning problem in Lagos, the business capital of Nigeria, where millions of workers are employed in the formal and informal workplaces. There is an increase in awareness, but most victims, especially women, are still faced with issues of reporting the incidents due to fear of being retaliated against, stigma, and the ambiguity of the law. However, the changes and statistics are favorable at the moment. As the government and non-governmental enterprises are embracing anti-harassment policies, Lagos State has put more legal measures in place to protect the rights of workers. This paper argues about what is known regarding the problem of workplace harassment in Lagos and how the court system is evolving to transform workplaces into safer and more inclusive environments. Learn more about employee rights and fair work policies on our Labour Rights page.
Legal System and Implementation
Lagos State Government also responded to the measures of curbing harassment in the workplace with several legal instruments. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency of 2015 and the Criminal Law of Lagos State of 2015 clearly define and punish sexual harassment, assault, and intimidation at the workplace. Besides, the Nigerian Labour Act and PS Rules address a situation where employers and supervisors should not discriminate and abuse their powers.
According to the report constructed by the DSVA in 2024, the complaints connected with workplace harassment increased by nearly a quarter within the last year- it appears that the victims have gained their voice. Nonetheless, very few of them are followed by a formal legal action, which can be explained by the absence of evidence or by fear of losing a job. The enforcement agencies continue in their progress toward more awareness and corporate responsibility.
What the Statistics Say about Realities at the Workplace
Based on the recent surveys, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry has found that over 60 per cent of the workers in the business fraternity believe that in the business world, harassment (either verbal, emotional, or sexual) is not reported. It poses a greater threat to women, especially in the banking industry, hospitality, and media. Nonetheless, at the same time, men also bear witness to additional instances of bullying and acts of emotional mistreatment at the place of work.
It has also been pointed out by the experts that organizational culture can also help in prevention, as well as laws. Companies that have made it a zero-tolerance policy, come up with an anonymous reporting system, and conduct regular training have shown a concrete decrease in misconduct in the workplace.
However, the effort in gathering and putting into action measures in data collection needs to be more concerted to ensure that all workers in Lagos have the opportunity to work in a safe and dignified environment. In the right direction, as far as accountability and equality are concerned, Lagos is heading in the right direction, as there is more awareness and better legislation, yet the total fulfillment of justice is something that will need more enforcement and cultural change.
