Pay N70,000 Minimum Wage or Face Jail, FG Warns Private Sector

The Federal Government has issued a strong warning to private sector employers, stating that any company paying below the N70,000 minimum wage faces legal consequences. This announcement emphasizes the necessity of the new wage level in light of current economic conditions, ensuring that all Nigerian workers, regardless of their employment sector, receive fair compensation.

During the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria in Ikeja, Lagos, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, underscored the importance of compliance. He was represented by John Nyamali, Director of Employment and Wages.

Abubakar stated, “The minimum wage is now a law, and it is a punishable offense for any employer to pay below N70,000. Private employment agencies must ensure that all contracts stipulate this minimum wage for their workers. Every worker in Nigeria deserves to earn at least N70,000 after deductions.”

He further reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing this law, emphasizing that non-compliance could lead to imprisonment.

In his remarks, Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo, President of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies, urged the government and the Nigeria Labour Congress to clarify whether the N70,000 figure refers to net or gross pay, highlighting the need for transparency in the legislation.