Intelligence

Nigeria's power sector sees significant regulatory developments as NERC issues new guidelines for technical audits of transmission infrastructure, publishes a directory of State Electricity Regulatory Commissions to support the transition to state-level regulation, and the Minister of Power establishes an inter-agency committee to facilitate electricity market decentralisation under the Electricity Act 2023.

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.

The interplay between limitation statutes and employment contracts in Nigeria has long generated doctrinal uncertainty. This analysis examines whether the limitation period prescribed by POPA applies to claims arising from contracts of employment involving public authorities, exploring a recurring question in Nigerian jurisprudence.

Courts across Africa and beyond are issuing rulings that redefine who qualifies as an employee, determine which country's court has jurisdiction for disputes, and assess whether AI-driven hiring or termination could expose companies to liability. For organizations operating in Nigeria or managing cross-border operations, these decisions have significant implications for their employee management and relationships.