NATIONAL WORKPLACE POLICY HIV, AIDS

What Is This Policy?

The National Workplace Policy on HIV and AIDS is Nigeria's revised framework for managing HIV and AIDS in the world of work — providing comprehensive guidelines for employers, employees, and trade unions to prevent HIV transmission, eliminate discrimination against people living with HIV (PLHIV), and ensure fair, dignified employment practices in all Nigerian workplaces.

Who Does It Target?

All employers in public and private sectors — from federal MDAs to MSMEs and the informal economy Workers and employees in all industries, with priority on high-risk sectors: transportation, mining, construction, and agriculture Trade unions and employer associations responsible for integrating HIV rights into collective bargaining People living with HIV (PLHIV) in employment who face stigma, discrimination, or unfair treatment HR departments, occupational health teams, and Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs)

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Create safer, more productive workplaces through HIV prevention, treatment access, and stigma reduction programmes Protect the rights and dignity of workers with HIV — prohibiting mandatory testing, forced disclosure, and employment discrimination Ensure all workers have access to voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) and antiretroviral treatment (ART) through workplace health services Contribute to Nigeria's UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets — 95% of PLHIV diagnosed, on treatment, and virally suppressed by 2030

Key Features

Non-Discrimination Principle: No worker may be dismissed, demoted, or denied employment based on HIV status; mandatory HIV testing strictly prohibited Strict Confidentiality: Workers' HIV status is protected as medical information — disclosure without consent is a disciplinary offence HIV/AIDS Workplace Committees: All employers required to establish HIV/AIDS Workplace Committees to develop, implement, and monitor workplace HIV programmes Voluntary Counselling and Testing: Employers encouraged to provide free VCT services through occupational health or referral networks at no cost to employees ART Access Accommodation: Workers on antiretroviral treatment must receive flexible scheduling and medical leave to maintain adherence and employment Community-Centric Approach: Policy recognises the workplace as a community hub — worker HIV programmes extend benefits to families and surrounding communities

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active — launched December 1, 2023 (World AIDS Day) in partnership with ILO Nigeria Implementing Body: Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE); National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) Coverage: All formal and informal sector workplaces; priority in high-prevalence states: Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Benue, Cross River, Taraba Nigeria Context: Approximately 2 million Nigerians living with HIV (2023); HIV prevalence at 2.1% among adults aged 15–49 Funding: FMLE budget, ILO technical cooperation, PEPFAR, and UNAIDS Country Programme

How to Access

Employers: Download the Policy guidelines from labour.gov.ng; establish an HIV/AIDS Workplace Committee within 6 months of adoption Workers with HIV: Know your rights under the policy; contact NACA helpline or Legal Aid Council if you face discrimination Trade Unions: Integrate HIV workplace rights into all collective bargaining agreements and union health programmes Contact: Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment: labour.gov.ng | NACA: naca.gov.ng | NACA Helpline: 0800-235-6682

Important Terms

Mandatory Testing Prohibited: Employers may not require HIV tests before or during employment — voluntary testing only, conducted with written consent Reasonable Accommodation: Employers must make reasonable adjustments to enable workers on ART to maintain employment and treatment adherence

Official Resources

Website: labour.gov.ng | naca.gov.ng NACA Helpline: 0800-235-6682 (toll-free) Contact: Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Phase I Federal Secretariat Annex II, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja Policy Summary | Source: FMLE, ILO Nigeria, NACA, Guardian Nigeria, Punch, WHO Nigeria | February 2026

Legal Framework

The National Workplace Policy on HIV and AIDS operates under the HIV and AIDS (Anti-Discrimination) Act 2014, the Labour Act, the Employees Compensation Act 2010, and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS Act. It aligns with Nigeria's obligations under the ILO Recommendation 200 on HIV and AIDS and the World of Work, the UN Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, and the Global Fund Grant requirements on workplace HIV programmes.