Minimum wage: Paying less than N70,000 punishable crime — FG

The federal government has issued a warning to private-sector employers against paying less than the new minimum wage of N70,000.

This message was delivered by Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, 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. He was represented by John Nyamali, the ministry’s Director of Employment and Wages.

Abubakar emphasized that the minimum wage is now a legal requirement that must be adhered to. “Paying less than N70,000 to any worker is a punishable offense,” he stated.

He urged private employment agencies to ensure that any contracts with their principals stipulate that workers earn at least the minimum wage. “Every worker in Nigeria deserves to earn N70,000, and this amount should be net after all deductions,” he added.

Abubakar reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing the minimum wage law, highlighting that non-compliance could lead to imprisonment. “The Federal Government is determined to ensure that the lowest-paid workers take home N70,000,” he said.