Enforceability of Employment Bond Agreement under Nigerian Labour Jurisprudence

Abstract

This article through doctrinal methodology, examines theenforceability of employment bond agreement under Nigeria ' slabour jurisprudence by highlighting its meaning, types andthe justifications for bonding employees. It also examines thepractice in India and draw lessons for Nigeria. It discusses thenexus between employment bond and restraint of trade andalso, the employee ' s right of resignation vis-à-vis employmentbond agreement. It dilates employment bond against thebackdrop of the doctrine of equality. The paper found thatbond agreement are generally lawful under Nigerian labourjurisprudence however, insertion of certain terms, will rendersame unenforceable. Also, bond agreement is not expresslyregulated by the labour legal regime but contract. It arguesthat non-financial bond agreement that have onerous,unconscionable, unequitable terms, especially in theacademia, should be rendered unenforceable ab initio. Thepaper makes vital recommendation towards regulating thepractice of employment bond to protect all labourstakeholders in Nigeria.Keywords: Employer, Employee, Employment bond, Nigeria,Restraint of trade. Unfair labour practice