Should the Executive arm of Government consent to the Senate‘s resolution, age limits in job advertisements across the country will be abolished, aligning with the call for Nigerian employers to relax age requirements as a condition for employment.
On Wednesday, the Senate reached a resolution to eliminate age restrictions in job advertisements, while also directing the Federal Government to expeditiously formulate policies fostering equality of opportunity and treatment when it comes to accessing employment opportunities at all levels.
In an effort to combat age-related employment discrimination, the Senate has called upon the Federal Ministry of Labour, Employment and Productivity, along with other pertinent agencies, to implement policies aimed at dissuading public and private employers from denying employment opportunities to job seekers based solely on age qualifications.
Yesterday, the Senate passed resolutions in response to a motion titled ‘Age Requirement Precondition for Employment in Nigeria, Urgent Need for Intervention.’
It was sponsored by Senator Abba Morom PDP, Benue South.
During the presentation of the motion, Senator Moro emphasised that age limit or precondition for employment runs counter to the fundamental principles outlined in Chapter 4, section 42(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which enshrines the right to freedom from discrimination for all citizens.
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Senator Moro further referred to the International Labour Organisation’s definition of employment discrimination in economic terms, pointing out that it constitutes a violation of human rights.
He emphasised the detrimental impact of such discrimination on harnessing human talents, leading to reduced productivity and hindering economic growth.
He further noted that it creates socio-economic disparities, weakening social cohesion and solidarity, and hampering poverty reduction initiatives.
As he stated, it was pathetic ‘that a graduate in Nigeria who could not get a job upon graduation and decided to back to school with the hope that a higher qualification, vis-a- vis a second or Masters Degree could give him a better employment opportunity is thrown into a career paradox when upon completion of his Masters Degree he comes out to find that he is now above the age of employment and therefore not employable by the sole reason of his age.’
The Senator also said that it is ‘Ironical that a graduate in this country can serve in the National Youth Service Corps programme at age 30 but cannot be gainfully employed ,thereafter on the fact that he/ she is now above 30 years, a situation that is a flagrant breach of his fundamental rights.’
‘The circumstances described in the foregoing presents the predicament of the Nigerian youth who has the requisite qualification, knowledge, skills and is ready to work but disqualified or excluded on the sole and unjustifiable ground that he/ she is above the age limit by reason of his/ her birth.’
Moro contended that the prevailing situation has pushed many people to resort to age fraud, fabricating false information about their age to fit within the age limit prescribed for employability in the Nigerian Civil Service and other labor providers in the nation.