Nigeria’s sick leave law is governed by the Labour Act (Cap L1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004), which provides a baseline entitlement. In practice, most Nigerian employers provide 12 to 14 days of paid sick leave per year, though the statutory minimum is less specific. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) covers medical treatment costs.
Key Takeaways
- The Labour Act provides a baseline for sick leave entitlements
- Most employers provide 12–14 days of paid sick leave per year as common practice
- A medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner is required from day 1
- NHIS covers medical treatment costs during sick leave
- Sick leave terms are often set by the employment contract or staff handbook
Nigeria’s Sick Leave Entitlement
Nigeria’s sick leave system is less prescriptive than many other countries. The Labour Act provides a general framework, but the specific entitlement is often determined by the employment contract, company policy, or collective agreement.
In practice, the standard across Nigerian employers is 12 to 14 days of paid sick leave per year. This is not a legal requirement but a widely accepted standard. Some employers provide more, and some provide less.
For government employees, the rules are more specific — typically 12 working days per year at full pay.
Who Pays for Sick Leave?
| Period | Pay Rate | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–12/14 (per year) | 100% of wages | Employer |
| NHIS coverage | Medical treatment | NHIS |
Sick Leave Pay Rates
| Period | Pay Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Sick leave (12–14 days typical) | 100% of wages | Employment contract / company policy |
| NHIS coverage | Medical treatment costs | NHIS Act |
The pay rate during sick leave is typically 100% of the employee’s basic salary. The specific terms depend on the employment contract and company policy.
Medical Certificate Requirements
Nigeria requires a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner from the first day of illness. The certificate must specify:
- The date of examination
- The expected duration of the absence
- The diagnosis
The employee must present the certificate to the employer. NHIS claims require a certificate from an NHIS-designated facility.
How to Calculate Sick Pay in Nigeria
Example: An employee earning NGN 300,000/month is off sick for 10 working days.
- Sick leave (10 days): 100% of wages
- Daily wage: NGN 300,000 ÷ 30 = NGN 10,000/day
- Sick pay: NGN 10,000 × 10 = NGN 100,000
The employee uses 10 days of their annual sick leave entitlement.
Employer Obligations and Penalties
Nigerian employers must:
- Pay sick leave as prescribed by the employment contract or company policy
- Register employees with NHIS
- Maintain medical certificates on file
- Provide payslips showing sick leave details
- Maintain records for at least 3 years
Non-compliance can result in complaints to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and potential labour court proceedings.
Comparison With Other Countries
| Country | Sick Days | Pay | Certificate Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | 12–14 days (common practice) | 100% | Day 1 |
| UK | 28 weeks SSP | £116.75/week | Day 7 |
| Australia | 10 days personal/carer’s leave | Full rate | 2+ consecutive days |
| US | Varies by state | Varies | Employer policy |
FAQ
Is there a statutory sick leave entitlement in Nigeria?
The Labour Act provides a general framework but does not specify a fixed number of days. The specific entitlement is determined by the employment contract, company policy, or collective agreement. The common practice of 12–14 days is widely accepted but not legally mandated.
Can the employer reduce sick leave below 12 days?
Yes, if the employment contract or company policy provides for fewer days. However, this may be challenged as unfair labour practice. Many employers provide 12–14 days as a standard, and reducing below this may affect recruitment and retention.
Does NHIS cover wages during sick leave?
No. NHIS covers medical treatment costs (doctor visits, hospital stays, medication, etc.) but not wages. The employer is responsible for paying wages during sick leave as prescribed by the employment contract or company policy.
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