The Federal Government has urged agencies recruiting for the private sector to comply with the N70,000 minimum wage, warning that any failure to do so will not be tolerated.
The government stated that the new minimum wage is essential to address current economic conditions, insisting that no worker in Nigeria—whether in government or the private sector—should earn less than this amount.
Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, made these remarks during the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria, held in Ikeja, Lagos. Represented by the ministry’s Director of Employment and Wages, John Nyamali, he emphasized, “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.
“Private employment agencies must ensure that any contracts with their principals stipulate that workers will earn at least the minimum wage. The lowest-paid worker in Nigeria should take home N70,000 after all deductions.
“Failure to comply with this law could lead to imprisonment. The Federal Government is dedicated to ensuring that every worker receives at least N70,000.”
Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo, President of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria, called for clarification from the government and the Nigeria Labour Congress regarding whether the N70,000 minimum wage is net or gross, urging that any ambiguities in the law be clearly explained.
Ogunlowo stated that EAPEAN is already committed to upholding the minimum wage, providing decent jobs for Nigerians, and preventing the exploitation of human resources.
“As an employers’ union in the private sector, we are dedicated to enforcing the minimum wage. We abide by the law, and our principals and clients have also embraced this standard.
“However, we need clarity on whether the N70,000 minimum wage is net or gross. The government and NLC should address any uncertainties surrounding the minimum wage,” he said.
During the event, Funmilayo Sessi, Chairperson of the NLC Lagos State Council, remarked that the current economic hardships have undermined workers’ incomes, urging private employers to ensure compliance with the N70,000 minimum wage.
She stated, “The N70,000 is insufficient given today’s economic realities. Once the necessary adjustments are made, all private employment agencies must start paying their workers the N70,000 minimum wage immediately.
“The NLC in Lagos State will enforce the minimum wage strictly. EAPEAN should avoid any conflict with the NLC regarding this matter.”
we are just hearing and not seeing.