The Nigerian Government has mandated that all agencies recruiting for the private sector adhere to the N70,000 minimum wage, warning that any deviation will face strict penalties.
This directive emphasizes that no Nigerian worker, whether in government or private employment, should earn less than this minimum wage.
During the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria in Ikeja, Lagos, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ismaila Abubakar, represented by Director of Employment and Wages, John Nyamali, stated, “The minimum wage is now a law, and it is a punishable crime for any employer to pay less than N70,000 to any of its workers.”
Nyamali urged private employment agencies to ensure that their contracts stipulate compliance with the minimum wage, asserting that “the least paid worker in Nigeria should earn N70,000, after all deductions.” He reinforced the government’s commitment to enforcing this law, warning that non-compliance could result in legal consequences.
In response, President of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) Olufemi Ogunlowo, sought clarification from the government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) regarding whether the N70,000 minimum wage is calculated as net or gross. Ogunlowo affirmed the association’s commitment to adhering to the minimum wage and providing decent jobs while requesting that any ambiguities in the legislation be clearly explained.
Funmilayo Sessi, Chairperson of the NLC Lagos State Council, highlighted the pressing economic hardships faced by workers, asserting that the N70,000 minimum wage is insufficient in today’s economic climate. She called on private employers to ensure compliance and stated, “The NLC in Lagos State will see to the strict enforcement of the minimum wage. EAPEAN should avoid confrontation with the NLC on this issue.”
As the dialogue continues, both the government and private sector stakeholders are urged to work together to ensure fair compensation for all Nigerian workers.
