The Federal Government has issued a strong warning to private-sector employers that paying workers less than the newly set minimum wage of N70,000 is now considered an offense punishable by penalties, including potential imprisonment for non-compliance.
During the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria held in Ikeja, Lagos, John Nyamali, the Director of Employment and Wages, spoke on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Kachollom Daju. Nyamali underscored the compulsory aspect of the new wage policy.
The minimum wage is now legislated, making it a criminal offense for any employer to pay their workers less than N70,000,” he stated.
He also urged private employment agencies to guarantee that their employees receive at least the mandated wage, adding, “The lowest-paid worker in Nigeria should receive N70,000, which should be after all deductions.
Nyamali reiterated the government’s dedication to enhancing the living conditions of Nigerian workers, emphasizing that employees in both the public and private sectors should not receive wages below the established minimum. He added, “Failure to enforce this could result in imprisonment.”
