Category: Labour Law
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Can a Company be Held Vicariously Liable for an Action of its Independent Contractor? A Review of the Supreme Court’s Decision in Total Exploration & Production (Nig.) Ltd v. Okwu & Ors LPELR-62623(SC)
Introduction: It is common practice for Nigerian companies to engage independent contractors to execute certain aspects of their operations. However, a major issue that usually arises in this sort of relationship is: to what extent would the employer be liable for the actions of its independent contractors? The Supreme Court addressed this question directly in…
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Can an Employee be Punished Twice for the Same Misconduct? A Review of Skye Bank Plc v. Adegun (2024) 15 NWLR (Pt. 1960) 1
Introduction An employment relationship may be terminated at any time by either party in accordance with the contract of employment, subject to applicable notice requirements. However, when an employer dismisses an employee for gross misconduct, special rules apply. Nigerian courts have long held that an employer has an inherent right to dismiss for gross misconduct…
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Can a Statutory Employment be Terminated for a Reason Not Stated in the Termination Letter? A Review of the Decision in Mr Obidah Ibrahim Dakat v. FRSC & 2 Ors (Unreported, Suit No. NICN/JOS/38/2023, judgment delivered by the National Industrial Court on 20 August 2025)
INTRODUCTION The special and unique nature of employment law often appears to be a challenge to both employers and employees, and it is more pronounced in cases of public service, as it is governed under a distinct pattern and expectation. The recent judgment in Obidah Ibrahim Dakat v. The Federal Road Safety Commission & Ors…