Paying Workers Less Than N70,000 Now A Criminal Offence- FG

The Federal Government has declared that it is now a criminal offense for employers, whether in the public or private sectors, to pay workers less than the newly established N70,000 minimum wage.

This announcement was made by Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, during the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria, held in Lagos State on Wednesday.

Represented by the ministry’s Director of Employment and Wages, John Nyamali, Abubakar clarified that the new minimum wage was part of an agreement reached between the Federal Government and organized labor to address the economic challenges currently facing the country.

He emphasised the importance of compliance, noting that the law now mandates a minimum wage of N70,000 for every Nigerian worker, regardless of whether they are employed in the public or private sectors.

“The minimum wage is now a law,” Abubakar stated. “It is illegal for any employer to pay below N70,000 to their employees. Private employment agencies must also ensure that all contracts with their clients include a provision guaranteeing that employees earn at least the minimum wage.”

This move is part of a broader effort by the government to safeguard the rights of workers and ensure fair wages in light of rising living costs in Nigeria.