The Federal Government of Nigeria has warned private sector employers that paying workers below the new minimum wage of N70,000 is now a punishable offense, with violators facing the risk of jail time. Speaking at the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) in Lagos, the Ministry of Labour and Employment emphasized that all Nigerian workers, both public and private, must receive the minimum wage, which is now legally mandated.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, reiterated that any breach of this wage law would attract legal consequences. He stressed that private employment agencies must ensure that workers in their contracts are paid no less than the stipulated amount.

Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo, President of EAPEAN, called for clarification on whether the N70,000 minimum wage is gross or net, while pledging the association’s commitment to implementing the wage law. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairperson in Lagos, Funmilayo Sessi, urged employers to adopt the wage swiftly, warning of enforcement by the NLC.