Warning From FG: Paying Workers Less Than N70,000 Now A Criminal Offense

LAGOS – The Federal Government has made it clear that any employer, whether in public or private sectors, who pays less than the N70,000 minimum wage will face legal repercussions.

Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, provided clarification on Wednesday during the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria in Lagos State. 

The ministry’s Director of Employment and Wages, John Nyamali, represented him at the event.

Abubakar stated that the Federal Government and organized labor reached an agreement on the new minimum wage to tackle the current economic challenges in the country. 

He stressed that every Nigerian worker, whether in the public or private sectors, should receive a minimum of N70,000 monthly. 

He further highlighted, “The minimum wage is now a law, making it illegal for any employer to pay below N70,000 to their employees.”

“The private employment agencies must ensure that in every contract they enter into with their clients, it is mandatory that their employees earn at least the minimum wage.”