The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to private sector employers, mandating strict compliance with the N70,000 minimum wage. The government emphasized that any employer who fails to adhere to this wage standard faces legal consequences, including imprisonment.
Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, delivered the warning on Wednesday during the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) in Ikeja, Lagos. Represented by the Director of Employment and Wages, John Nyamali, Abubakar stressed that the minimum wage is now law and any violation will be met with penalties.
“The minimum wage is a law, and any employer paying less than N70,000 to their workers is committing a crime. Private employment agencies must ensure that all contracts stipulate compliance with this wage. The least paid worker in Nigeria must earn N70,000, after deductions,” Abubakar stated.
He further warned that the government is committed to enforcing this policy, and failure to comply could result in jail time for defaulters.
Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo, President of EAPEAN, expressed the association’s commitment to upholding the new wage but called on the government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to clarify whether the N70,000 is net or gross income. He urged for all ambiguities in the law to be addressed to ensure smooth implementation.
“As private sector employers, we are dedicated to following the law and providing decent jobs. However, we need clarification on whether the N70,000 is net or gross. The government and NLC should clear up any confusion,” Ogunlowo remarked.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Chairperson of the NLC, Funmilayo Sessi, stressed the need for private employers to implement the N70,000 wage immediately, given the current economic conditions. She noted that even the new wage might not be sufficient for many workers but urged private employment agencies to comply to avoid confrontation with the NLC.
“The N70,000 is already insufficient in today’s economy, but it’s crucial that private employers pay their workers this minimum. Once consequential adjustments are finalized, we expect full compliance,” Sessi said.
