‘You risk jail term’: FG warns private employers against paying below N70,000 minimum wage

The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to private-sector employers who continue to pay workers below the new minimum wage of N70,000, stating that such practices are now illegal.

Speaking at the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria in Lagos on Wednesday, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, emphasized that the new minimum wage has become law.

Represented by John Nyamali, Director of Employment and Wages, Abubakar stressed that employers could face serious penalties, including jail time, for failing to comply.

“The minimum wage is now a law, and it is a punishable crime for any employer to pay less than N70,000 to any worker,” Abubakar declared.

He further urged private employment agencies to ensure that all contracts with their clients reflect this new wage standard, ensuring that no worker earns less than the mandated amount after deductions.

The Federal Government remains committed to enforcing this law, ensuring that every worker takes home at least N70,000 monthly.

Failure to comply with the minimum wage legislation could result in legal consequences for non-compliant employers.