The National Industrial Court in Lagos has ordered Airtel Networks Limited to pay a total of ₦150.2 million in damages to a former employee, Mr. Olakunle Jagun, after ruling that the telecommunications company wrongfully terminated his employment and discriminated against him on the basis of disability.
Delivering judgment, Hon. Justice Joyce Damachi held that Airtel violated the Lagos State Special People’s Law 2010 and Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities.
The court awarded ₦99.4 million as special damages, ₦50 million as general and exemplary damages, and ₦831,874.58 as withheld entitlements, ordering Airtel to pay the full amount within 30 days.
Mr. Jagun, who joined Airtel in 2004, became wheelchair-dependent after a health crisis in 2007 but continued his service, earning commendations and promotions. However, after a second health challenge in 2022, the company subjected him to a “wellness test,” the outcome of which was never disclosed. Months later, Airtel concluded he had incurred a “permanent disability” and terminated his employment on October 26, 2023.
Justice Damachi ruled that Airtel failed to follow due process, withheld critical medical information from the claimant, and “serially breached” its own internal procedures.
Labour advocates say the judgment marks a critical step in strengthening legal protections for workers living with disabilities. Airtel has since filed an appeal.
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