Senate Moves to Eliminate Age Limit in Job Advertisements, Urges Employers to Relax RequirementsThe Nigerian Senate has taken a significant step towards abolishing age limitations in job advertisements. In a resolution passed on Wednesday, the Senate called on the Executive arm of the Government to support this proposal, aiming to eliminate age-related barriers in employment opportunities across the country. Additionally, the Senate urged the Federal Government to develop policies that promote equality of opportunity and fair treatment in accessing employment at all levels.Senator Abba Moro, representing Benue South, sponsored the motion titled “Age Requirement Precondition for Employment in Nigeria, Urgent Need for Intervention.” In his presentation, Senator Moro emphasized that imposing age limits for job seekers violates Chapter 4, section 42(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees freedom from discrimination to all citizens.He also referred to the International Labour Organisation’s definition of employment discrimination, highlighting its adverse effects on human talent, productivity, economic growth, and socioeconomic equality. The current practice, wherein qualified graduates are disqualified from employment solely based on their age, was deemed unjustifiable and against the principles of human rights.Senator Moro pointed out the irony that a graduate can serve in the National Youth Service Corps at the age of 30 but is deemed unemployable afterward, due to age restrictions. This situation forces many job seekers to resort to age fraud by falsifying their ages to meet the employability criteria set by the Nigerian Civil Service and other employers.By passing this resolution, the Senate aims to address the plight of Nigerian youths who possess the necessary qualifications, skills, and knowledge but are unfairly barred from employment opportunities due to age-related constraints. If the Executive approves this resolution, it could mark a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable employment landscape in Nigeria....READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ▶▶
