WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION

 

The most recent relevant law – the Workmen’s Compensation Decree 1987 – imposes on all employers of labour in Nigeria, a liability to pay certain benefits to “workmen” (as defined) in the event of injury or death of such workmen arising out of and in the course of employment. In order to establish a valid claim under the Decree, it is essential that the following conditions be satisfied:

 

• The incident must be accidental (not a self-inflicted injury for example) and the result must be death or injury to the employee.

 

• The employee must be under a contract of service.

 

• The accident must arise out of and in the course of employment

 

• The employee must be a “workman” as defined by the Decree.