AN APPRAISAL OF EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION UNDER NIGERIAN LAW

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1      Background of the Study

This chapter explains the background structure of the research. It lays out the statement of the research problem, the objectives, the scope, the research methodology, literature review and the organisational structure amongst other things.

In man’s search for food and other necessaries in life, he is constantly exposed to hazards.¹ A person who is constantly searching for means of livelihood, may lose life, limb, eye, ear, teeth etc and others may become totally disabled. Teachers, medical doctors, lawyers, pilots, menial workers etc face job-related risks daily.² A worker’s ability to work is his security, but when confronted with injuries or death, it affects his ability to earn a living and to provide for his dependants. The employer would always want to be exonerated from liability for job-related risks and the laws over the years have evolved ways of compensating injured employees or their dependants in situations involving death, injuries and disabilities.³ There is need to hold someone accountable to provide compensation to employees out of or in the course of employment and that is why the present Compensation Act⁴ is relevant

Man should not fold his arms and stay indoors for fear of street risks or outdoor hazards. It is riskier not to take the risk of going out in search of the basic needs of life. This is because, failing to take the risk of going out in search of necessaries, he opts for the risks of poverty, hunger, starvation, sleeping in the open field, in the rain and in the sun.

The Employees’ Compensation Acts aimed at inducing and compelling employers to think more in terms of human value so as to provide compensation on humanitarian ground.