The Federal Government has urged agencies hiring for the private sector to adhere to the N70,000 minimum wage, stressing that any deviation by employers will not be tolerated.
According to the FG, the new minimum wage is required to accommodate the current economic realities, underscoring that no Nigerian worker, whether in government or private employment, should be paid less than the minimum wage.
Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, announced this on Wednesday during the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria, which was held in Ikeja, Lagos.
Abubakar, who was represented by the Director of Employment and Wages of the ministry, John Nyamali, stated that “the minimum wage is now a law, and as a result, it is a punishable crime for any employer to pay less than N70,000 to any of its workers.
According to Ogunlowo, the EAPEAN is already dedicated to paying the minimum wage, creating decent jobs for Nigerians, and protecting human resources from exploitation.
“As an employers union in the private sector, we are committed to implementing the minimum wage. We are a law-abiding and guided association. Our principals and clients have also keyed into the minimum wage.
“However, the government must clarify whether the N70,000 minimum wage is net or gross. The government and NLC should address all ambiguities in the minimum wage,” he stated.
Speaking at the event, Funmilayo Sessi, Chairperson of the NLC, Lagos State Council, stated that the current hardship had ruined whatever money any worker earned in Nigeria and urged private employers to ensure payment of the N70,000 minimum wage.
She said, “The N70,000 isn’t enough in the current economic realities. By the time the consequential adjustment is concluded, all private employment agencies should immediately start paying their workers the N70,000 minimum wage.
“The NLC in Lagos State will see to the strict enforcement of the minimum wage. EAPEAN should avoid confrontation with the NLC on the minimum wage.”
