FG to Imprison Private Employers Paying Below 70k Minimum Wage

The Federal Government has issued a strong warning to private-sector employers, emphasizing that failure to comply with the newly established N70,000 minimum wage could result in imprisonment.

This directive was made clear at the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria in Lagos.

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During the event, the Ministry of Labour and Employment reiterated that the N70,000 minimum wage is now legally binding, making it a punishable offense for employers to pay their workers less than this amount.

The government stressed the importance of this wage adjustment to address current economic challenges, emphasizing that all Nigerian workers, whether in the public or private sector, must receive at least the minimum wage.

Private employment agencies were particularly urged to ensure that their workers are not paid below this threshold.

In response, the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria raised concerns about whether the wage would apply to net or gross earnings, calling for the government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to clarify any ambiguities in the law.

Additionally, the Lagos State chapter of the NLC highlighted the economic pressures on workers, urging private employers to promptly implement the new wage to ensure fair compensation in line with current realities.

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The NLC assured strict enforcement of the wage law across the private sector.