Age discrimination in recruitment has been a longstanding issue in Nigeria, depriving countless job seekers of employment opportunities based solely on their age. However, the Senate is now taking a stand against this discriminatory practice.
A resolution has been passed to abolish age limitations in job advertisements, with a call to the Federal Government to implement policies that promote equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment. .
Senate's call for equality of opportunity
The Senate's recent resolution builds upon earlier discussions on age limits in recruitment in Nigeria.
It marks a significant step towards addressing age discrimination in employment. It not only urges the Federal Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Productivity but also all relevant agencies to discourage public and private employers from imposing age requirements for job seekers. This move aligns with 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.
Benue South senatorial district representative, Patrick Abba Moro, sponsored the motion on the floor of the Senate and passionately articulated the dire situation faced by many Nigerian graduates.
“It is pathetic that a graduate in Nigeria who could not get a job upon graduation and decided to go back to school with the hope that a higher qualification or a second or Master’s degree could give him a better employment opportunity is thrown into a career paradox when upon completion of his Master’s, 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.”
International Labor Organization's perspective
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) defines employment discrimination in economic terms, emphasizing that it is a violation of human rights and hampers economic growth. Age-based discrimination leads to a waste of human talents, adversely affecting productivity and contributing to socioeconomic disparities. By eliminating age limits in recruitment, Nigeria can take a significant step towards promoting social cohesion, reducing poverty, and ensuring a more inclusive job market.
The plight of qualified graduates
Many qualified graduates in Nigeria face a harsh reality where they are unable to secure employment upon graduation due to arbitrary age limits set by employers. This predicament forces some to pursue higher qualifications, hoping for better opportunities, only to discover that they have surpassed the age threshold for employability. This situation denies deserving candidates the chance to contribute their skills and knowledge to the workforce and undermines the country's potential for growth.
The irony of age limits
One poignant irony lies in the fact that graduates can serve in the National Youth Service Corps program at the age of 30 but are subsequently deemed unemployable once they cross this age threshold. This contradiction in policy undermines the fundamental rights of individuals who possess the necessary qualifications and expertise but are barred from contributing to the nation's progress due to arbitrary age limits.
Combating age fraud
The desperate situation created by age limitations has led some job seekers to resort to age fraud, falsifying their birth dates to meet the employability criteria. This deceptive practice not only perpetuates discrimination but also undermines the integrity of the recruitment process. By eliminating age restrictions, the government can address age fraud and foster a more transparent and fair employment system.
For more on age discrimination in Nigeria, go to our international pages.