In Nigeria, the Labour Act stipulates that all employees who have completed 12 months of continuous service are entitled to a minimum of 6 working days of paid annual leave. However, this entitlement increases for employees below the age of 16 and apprentices, who are entitled to a minimum of 12 working days of annual leave.

Increased Entitlement for Young Workers

For employees below the age of 16 and apprentices, the minimum annual leave entitlement is 12 working days.

Pro-rating Leave

For employees who have worked less than a full year, leave entitlement should be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Accrual

It's important to note that vacation days accrue over time and cannot be "front-loaded" at the beginning of an employee's tenure.

Company Policies

While the Labour Act sets the minimum leave entitlements, employers may choose to offer more generous leave benefits. For specifics, employees should refer to their company handbook.

Deferral of Leave

Although annual leave is intended to be taken in the year it's earned, there may be circumstances where employers and employees agree to postpone it to a later date.

Unpaid Leave

There may also be instances where employers grant leave of absence without pay at their discretion.

Termination

In the event of employment termination, an employee is entitled to payment for any accrued but unused annual leave days.

Nigeria, a country with a diverse cultural and religious background, observes several public holidays throughout the year. These holidays are categorized into national, religious, and state-specific holidays.

National Public Holidays

Nigeria observes several national public holidays:

• New Year's Day (January 1st): This day marks the beginning of a new calendar year.
• Workers' Day (May 1st): This day celebrates the contributions of workers and the labor movement.
• Children's Day (May 27th): This day recognizes the rights and needs of children in Nigeria.
• Democracy Day (June 12th): This day commemorates the restoration of democracy in Nigeria in 1999.
• Independence Day (October 1st): This day celebrates Nigeria's independence from British rule in 1960.
• Christmas Day (December 25th): This is a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
• Boxing Day (December 26th): The day after Christmas, traditionally a day for gift-giving and charitable acts.

Religious Public Holidays

Nigeria's population is primarily Christian and Muslim, and the country observes significant religious holidays:

Muslim Holidays

• Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan): This holiday marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and is celebrated for two days.
• Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): This holiday commemorates Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son and is celebrated for two days.
• Eid al-Maulud (Prophet's Birthday): This holiday celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.

Please note that the exact dates of these holidays are determined by the lunar Islamic calendar and may vary each year.

State-Specific Holidays

Some states within Nigeria may observe additional public holidays based on local customs or significant events.

In Nigeria, there are several types of leave available to employees, which can be broadly categorized into statutory and non-statutory leave.

Statutory Leave (Mandated by Law)

Annual Leave: The Nigerian Labour Act guarantees a minimum of 6 working days of paid annual leave for employees after 12 months of continuous service. Younger workers (under 16) and apprentices are entitled to 12 days minimum.

Sick Leave: Employees are entitled to up to 12 working days of paid sick leave per calendar year. This requires certification by a registered medical practitioner.

Maternity Leave: Female employees with at least six months of service are entitled to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave (approximately 3 months). At least half of this leave must be taken after childbirth.

Non-Statutory Leave (Employer Discretion)

Paternity Leave: While not mandated by the Labour Act, paternity leave is gaining recognition. Some employers, particularly in the public sector, offer a short period of paid paternity leave.

Compassionate/Casual Leave: Granted for emergencies or to attend to urgent family matters. The duration depends on the employer's policies.

Study Leave: Some employers may provide paid or unpaid leave for employees to pursue educational or professional development opportunities.

Sabbatical Leave: In some organizations, employees may be granted extended unpaid leave for personal reasons, professional development, or travel.

Important Considerations

Company Policy: Employers often outline specific leave policies that may exceed the statutory minimums. Always refer to your company's handbook or contract for details.

Eligibility: Leave eligibility may vary based on factors such as the employee's length of service and the nature of their employment contract.

Approval Process: Most types of leave require advance notice and approval from the employer.