Employment Agreement Template

An employment agreement (or employment contract) is a legally binding document between an employer and an employee that establishes the terms, rights, and responsibilities of their working relationship. In Nigeria, the Labour Act requires employers to provide a written contract within three months of the employee starting work.

Mandatory & Common Clauses

To be valid and provide full protection, an agreement typically includes:

• Identification of Parties: Full legal names and addresses of both the employer and employee.

• Job Details: Specific job title, duties, and the "scope of work" the employee is expected to perform.

• Compensation & Benefits: Detailed salary structure, payment frequency (usually monthly), and any additional benefits like health insurance, pensions, or bonuses.

• Working Hours: The standard workweek (typically 40–48 hours in Nigeria) and policies regarding overtime pay.

• Leave Entitlements: Provisions for annual vacation, sick leave, and maternity or personal leave.

• Termination Procedures: The notice period required by either party to end the relationship and grounds for immediate termination.

• Restrictive Covenants: Clauses such as Non-Disclosure (NDA) to protect trade secrets and Non-Compete to prevent working for competitors for a set period.