Tilova for Africa, a United States-based charity foundation, has called on the Nigerian Federal and State Governments to decriminalise tipping in workplaces and provide legal protection for employees who receive tips.
Speaking in Awka on Sunday, Co-founder Mr. Martin Nwabueze told journalists that tipping — defined as a voluntary monetary reward given by customers in appreciation for satisfactory service — should not expose workers to punishment or dismissal by their employers.
“Tip money is common practice in the western world, especially in the United States. Why should a customer in Nigeria not appreciate an attendant without the worker facing consequences?” Nwabueze asked.
He noted that while tipping is not formally criminalised in Nigeria, a clear legal framework is necessary to safeguard employees and prevent employer abuse.
“Tipping increases job satisfaction, motivates better service, discourages theft, and improves workers’ financial well-being,” he argued, citing global examples.
Nwabueze also referenced former US President Donald Trump’s campaign promise to remove taxes on tips, which became a key feature of what he described as a “beautiful bill.”
Sharing his observations during his visit to Nigeria, Nwabueze lamented that service workers often avoid accepting tips out of fear of employer retaliation.
“Workers should not be punished for receiving appreciation from customers. Tip money is not a bribe; it is a reward for a job well done,” he clarified.
He added that tipping, a significant income source for many workers abroad, should be recognised in Nigeria, where wages are often insufficient to meet basic needs.
Tilova for Africa has begun engaging both public and private stakeholders to advocate for policy changes that would formally protect the practice and allow workers to receive tips via cash or electronic payments.
