The Federal Government of Nigeria is taking decisive action to ensure compliance with the newly established minimum wage, mandating that private-sector employers adhere to this new standard. In a strong warning, officials have emphasized that any employer who pays less than the newly set minimum wage of ₦70,000 could face imprisonment.
This important announcement was made by Kachollom Daju, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, who was represented by John Nyamali, the Director of Employment and Wages. The declaration occurred during the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria, held in Ikeja, Lagos.
Daju stressed that the minimum wage is now a legal requirement, stating, “It is a punishable crime for any employer to pay less than ₦70,000 to any of its workers.” He highlighted the necessity of this wage increase in light of current economic conditions, asserting that no Nigerian worker, whether in public or private employment, should earn below this minimum threshold.
He further urged private employment agencies to ensure that any contracts they enter into with their clients explicitly stipulate that their workers will not be paid less than the minimum wage. “The least paid worker in Nigeria should earn ₦70,000, and this should be the amount after all deductions,” he stated, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of workers.
“The minimum wage is a law, and failure to implement it could lead to jail time for employers,” he warned, reiterating the Federal Government’s dedication to ensuring that every worker receives at least ₦70,000 in remuneration.
Additionally, President Tinubu has endorsed this ₦70,000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers and has promised that the national minimum wage law will be reviewed every three years to adapt to changing economic realities. This initiative aims to enhance the financial stability of workers across the nation and improve their overall quality of life.
