By Aaior K. Comfort

The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to private-sector employers, stating that paying less than the newly mandated N70,000 minimum wage could lead to imprisonment.

At the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria in Ikeja, Lagos, Kachollom Daju, represented by John Nyamali, Director of Employment and Wages at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, emphasized that the minimum wage is now legally enforceable.

“The minimum wage is now a law,” Nyamali declared. “Any employer paying less than N70,000 is committing a crime and risks imprisonment.” The government stressed that all Nigerian workers, regardless of their employment sector, should receive no less than this amount, net of all deductions.

Private employment agencies are required to ensure that their contracts stipulate compliance with the minimum wage law. The Federal Government is committed to enforcing this wage floor to ensure fair compensation for the least paid workers.

Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo, President of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria, sought clarification on whether the N70,000 minimum wage should be calculated as net or gross. He called on the government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to clarify any ambiguities in the legislation.

Funmilayo Sessi, Chairperson of the NLC Lagos State chapter, acknowledged the economic challenges impacting workers but urged immediate implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage. “The N70,000 is insufficient given current economic conditions,” Sessi said. “The NLC will ensure strict enforcement of this wage, and private employers must comply to avoid conflict.”

The Federal Government’s firm stance underscores its commitment to improving workers’ livelihoods amid economic pressures.