COVID-19 Vaccine – Can Employers Mandate Employees To Take The Vaccine In Nigeria?

Introduction

In 2020, the world was hit with a pandemic that had not been witnessed since the Spanish flu in the early 19th century and the human race grappled with a virus that ravaged the entire globe. As a result, the clock began ticking to find a cure for this disease, and in so doing, a pseudo arms race began in the pharmaceutical industry as the Big Pharma across the world sought to find a vaccine.

Fortunately, in November 2020, the first Covid-19 vaccine was developed, and since then, several pharmaceutical companies have developed theirs for use by the mass populace. Despite this scientific breakthrough, some persons have developed conspiracy theories on the vaccine’s safety.

Many people have lost their jobs due to the pandemic and working from home has changed the face of work. But this is not all, as employers and employees begin to adjust to the new normal of the pandemic, a critical issue has ensued. Can employers require their employees to get the Covid-19 vaccine if they want to keep their jobs? This article will discuss the legal perspectives and the legality of whether employers in Nigeria can make it mandatory for their employees to take the Covid-19
vaccine to remain employed.