The Federal Government has emphasized the importance of adhering to the newly implemented N70,000 minimum wage, warning that any deviations will not be tolerated.
This directive was given by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Kachollom Daju, at the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria in Ikeja, Lagos.
Daju, represented by Director of Employment and Wages John Nyamali, stressed that the minimum wage is now law, making it a punishable offense for employers to pay less than N70,000 to their workers. “The private employment agencies should make it compulsory in any contract that their workers earn not less than the minimum wage,” he said. “The least paid worker in Nigeria should earn N70,000, after all deductions”.
Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo, President of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria, requested clarification from the government and Nigeria Labour Congress on whether the N70,000 minimum wage is net or gross. He emphasized that all ambiguities in the Act should be addressed. Ogunlowo assured that his association is committed to the minimum wage and providing decent jobs for Nigerians.
Funmilayo Sessi, Chairperson of the NLC Lagos State chapter, highlighted the prevailing hardship’s impact on workers’ income. She called on private employers to ensure payment of the N70,000 minimum wage and warned that the NLC will strictly enforce the minimum wage in Lagos State. “EAPEAN should avoid confrontation with the NLC on the minimum wage,” she added.
In related news, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has promised to implement the new minimum wage approved by the Federal Government. This commitment was made during the Workers’ Day celebration in Lagos.
