“Why Paying Below NGN 70,000 Minimum Wage Could Land You in Jail: What Every Nigerian Needs to Know”

Babatunji Wusu –

– The Federal Government warns of imprisonment for employers paying less than N70,000 minimum wage.
– The minimum wage is now a legal requirement applicable to all Nigerian workers.
– Private employment agencies must include this wage in contracts.
– The government is dedicated to ensuring compliance with this minimum wage law.

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

At an event in Ikeja, Lagos, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment emphasized, “The minimum wage is now a law, making it a punishable offense for any employer to pay less than N70,000 to their workers.”

The government underscored the importance of this updated wage in light of current economic conditions, asserting that no Nigerian worker, whether in public or private employment, should earn below this threshold. It was also stated that private employment agencies must ensure that contracts stipulate adherence to the minimum wage.

“The least-paid worker in Nigeria should receive N70,000, and this amount should be after all deductions. The minimum wage is a legal requirement, and non-compliance may lead to imprisonment. The Federal Government is committed to guaranteeing that every worker receives at least N70,000,” she added.