The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a stern warning to private employers that paying workers below the newly established minimum wage of N70,000 could result in a jail term.
The announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ismail Abubakar, at the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria, held in Ikeja, Lagos.
Abubakar, who was represented by John Nyamali, Director of Employment and Wages, emphasized that the minimum wage is now a legal obligation.
“The minimum wage is a law, and as a result, it is a punishable crime for any employer to pay less than N70,000 to any of its workers,” he said.
The government stressed that this wage adjustment is necessary to address the nation’s current economic challenges, and no Nigerian worker should earn less than this amount, whether in public or private sectors.
Abubakar urged private employment agencies to incorporate this minimum wage into their contracts with employers.
“The least paid worker in Nigeria should earn N70,000, and that amount should be after all deductions. The minimum wage is law, and non-compliance could lead to imprisonment,” he reiterated.
In response, Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo, President of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria, called for clarification on whether the N70,000 minimum wage refers to net or gross income.
Ogunlowo highlighted the association’s commitment to supporting the new wage law while promoting decent employment for Nigerians.
He also called on the government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to clear up any uncertainties in the new wage regulation.
The government’s stance underscores its commitment to ensuring fair compensation for workers across the country.
