The Federal Government has issued a firm directive to private sector recruitment agencies, urging them to comply with the N70,000 minimum wage mandate. Any breach of this law, the government warned, will not be tolerated.
According to the Federal Government, the new wage structure is essential to address the prevailing economic conditions, underscoring that no worker, whether in the public or private sector, should earn less than the prescribed minimum wage.
This was emphasized by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, during the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) held in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday. Represented by the Director of Employment and Wages, John Nyamali, Abubakar stated, “The minimum wage is now law. Any employer found paying less than N70,000 will face legal consequences.”
He further emphasized that private employment agencies must ensure that all contracts they secure with their clients include the stipulation that workers are paid no less than the minimum wage, even after deductions. “Failure to implement the N70,000 minimum wage could result in imprisonment,” he added.
In response, the President of EAPEAN, Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo, called on the government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to clarify whether the N70,000 wage is a net or gross figure, urging that any ambiguities in the law be addressed for effective implementation.
“As a law-abiding body, EAPEAN is fully committed to providing decent jobs and ensuring that workers are paid the minimum wage. However, the government must clarify if the N70,000 is a net or gross amount,” Ogunlowo stated.
Meanwhile, Lagos State NLC Chairperson, Funmilayo Sessi, highlighted the harsh economic conditions facing workers, arguing that the N70,000 minimum wage is barely sufficient. She urged private employers to begin immediate implementation.
“The N70,000 minimum wage is inadequate in the face of current economic realities. Once the consequential adjustments are made, all private agencies must comply. The NLC in Lagos will ensure strict enforcement to avoid any conflict between agencies and the union,” Sessi said.
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