THE INTERSECTION OF LABOUR LAW, CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND THE SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS OF WORKING-CLASS WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This article analyses the intersection of labour law, corporate governance and the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of working-class women in Nigeria. Statutory labour safeguards, particularly those outlined in the Labour Act, establish a fundamental baseline for maternity protection; nonetheless, they are constrained in terms of duration, scope, and enforcement. The corporate governance frameworks in Nigeria, particularly the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance, advocate for board diversity; nevertheless, they do not mandate the incorporation of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) into business policy, risk management, or environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting. Using the doctrinal approach, judicial decisions and governance codes, and drawing on comparative international instruments (ILO Conventions, CEDAW, and the Maputo Protocol), the article demonstrates how corporate governance can and should complement labour law to protect SRHR. The article incorporates Nigerian case law from the National Industrial Court that addresses pregnancy, maternity and sexual harassment at work. This article concludes that labour law and corporate governance can intersect to protect the SRHR of working-class women in Nigeria. This article recommends a combined approach i.e. labour law reform and corporate governance reform so that active stakeholder engagement will deliver improved SRHR outcomes, workplace equality and societal benefit.