Nigeria: Employment and HR

An employment reference is an in-depth document or letter that is typically provided by a previous employer or supervisor. It offers invaluable and detailed insight into a professional's work performance, skills, abilities, and suitability for a new job role. Employment reference is a powerful tool for employers to verify the information provided by candidates and make informed hiring decisions. It ensures whatever the candidate has mentioned in their resume is true, and their past employer can back that information.

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria recently addressed whether employers can suspend employees indefinitely without pay, reiterating established legal principles while clarifying the narrow circumstances under which unpaid suspension is permissible. This case provides critical guidance on the boundaries of employer disciplinary powers and the contractual requirements necessary to withhold employee compensation during suspension periods.

The classification of workers as either independent contractors or employees is one of the most consequential legal determinations a foreign company operating in Nigeria must make.