The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to agencies recruiting for the private sector, emphasizing the need to comply with the N70,000 minimum wage law. It stressed that any violation of this requirement will not be tolerated.
The new minimum wage is intended to reflect the current economic realities, and the government insists that no Nigerian worker, whether in public or private employment, should earn below this threshold.
Kachollom Daju, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, delivered this message during the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) in Ikeja, Lagos. Represented by the ministry’s Director of Employment and Wages, John Nyamali, Daju stated, “The minimum wage is now a law, and it is a punishable offense for any employer to pay less than N70,000 to their workers.”
She further emphasized that private employment agencies should ensure their contracts stipulate that workers receive no less than the minimum wage. “The least paid worker in Nigeria should earn N70,000, and that should be after all deductions,” Daju added. She also warned that non-compliance with the minimum wage law could lead to imprisonment, reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring every worker receives fair compensation.
Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo, President of EAPEAN, called on the government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to clarify whether the N70,000 minimum wage is net or gross, urging them to resolve ambiguities in the law. Ogunlowo reaffirmed that EAPEAN is fully committed to upholding the minimum wage and providing decent jobs while protecting against exploitation of the workforce.
“As a law-abiding association in the private sector, we are committed to implementing the minimum wage. Our principals and clients have also adopted it. However, the government must clarify whether the N70,000 minimum wage is net or gross,” Ogunlowo said.
Funmilayo Sessi, Chairperson of the Lagos State chapter of the NLC, echoed these concerns. She acknowledged the impact of economic hardship on workers’ incomes and urged private employers to comply with the new minimum wage.
“The N70,000 isn’t enough given the current economic realities. Once the consequential adjustments are finalized, private employment agencies should begin paying the N70,000 minimum wage immediately. The NLC in Lagos will ensure strict enforcement,” Sessi said, urging EAPEAN to avoid conflicts with the NLC over the issue.
