LEGAL PRINCIPLE: LABOUR LAW — Employment Contracts — Written Agreement — Construction
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
In construing the relationship of the parties to a written agreement, the court must confine itself to the plain words and meaning derivable from their rights and obligations under the agreement.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Iguh, JSC, in Abalogu v. The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (2003) NLC-1221999(SC) at pp. 20–21; Paras B–C.
"The court in construing the relationship of the parties to a written agreement must confine itself to the plain words and meaning which are derivable from their rights and obligations thereunder."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Courts interpret written agreements based on plain language. The principle applies to contract interpretation. The court will not add or subtract terms. The rule respects party autonomy. The plain meaning determines the parties’ rights. The principle is fundamental.