The Federal Government has urged private sector recruitment agencies to strictly adhere to the ₦70,000 minimum wage, warning that failure to do so would not be tolerated.
This directive is aimed at addressing the current economic situation and ensuring that no worker in Nigeria, whether employed by the government or private sector, is paid less than the stipulated amount.
Speaking at the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) in Lagos, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Kachollom Daju, emphasized that the minimum wage is now a legal requirement.
Any employer paying less than ₦70,000 could face legal consequences, including imprisonment.
Daju, represented by the ministry’s Director of Employment and Wages, John Nyamali, stressed the importance of ensuring that contracts with private employment agencies include a clause requiring workers to earn at least the minimum wage after deductions.
Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo, President of EAPEAN, requested clarity from the government and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) on whether the ₦70,000 minimum wage refers to net or gross income.
Ogunlowo affirmed that the association is committed to the minimum wage and decent employment practices but needs clarification on specific aspects of the law.
NLC Lagos State Chairperson, Funmilayo Sessi, called for strict enforcement of the minimum wage and warned private employers to comply.
She highlighted the ongoing economic hardship, stating that ₦70,000 is barely sufficient, and urged private agencies to immediately implement the new wage after the consequential adjustment.
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