Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, made this statement during the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria in Ikeja, Lagos.
He emphasized that companies failing to pay the minimum wage could face jail time. “The minimum wage is a legal requirement, and non-compliance can lead to imprisonment. The Federal Government is dedicated to ensuring that every worker receives at least N70,000,” he said.
Abubakar, represented by John Nyamali, the ministry’s Director of Employment and Wages, stated, “It is now a legal obligation for employers to pay a minimum of N70,000 to their workers.
“Private employment agencies must ensure that their contracts stipulate this wage for all workers. Every least-paid worker in Nigeria should receive N70,000, after deductions.”
In response, Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo, President of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria, sought clarification on whether the N70,000 figure refers to net or gross pay. He affirmed their commitment to the minimum wage and to providing fair jobs for Nigerians while protecting workers from exploitation.
Funmilayo Sessi, Chairperson of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), called for swift implementation of the new wage, stating, “The N70,000 is not enough given the current economic conditions. Once the necessary adjustments are made, all private employment agencies must ensure their workers receive the minimum wage.”
President Tinubu signed the new national minimum wage of N70,000 (approximately $44) into law on July 29, 2024, increasing it from the previous N30,000.
This change followed unsuccessful negotiations by the Tripartite Committee, which included representatives from organized labor, the private sector, and the federal government.
Workers in Adamawa State have already started receiving the new minimum wage since August, and other states, including Lagos, Edo, Osun, Oyo, Borno, Benue, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, and Ondo, have committed to implementing the law.