Punch reports that the Federal Government has sent a strong instruction to private sector recruiting companies, requiring them to pay their employees the N70,000 minimum salary that was just created.Officials emphasized that any deviation from this standard would be met with serious consequences, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving the economic conditions for workers across the country.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Speaking at the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria in Ikeja, Lagos, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, underscored the necessity of this wage adjustment in light of the current economic challenges facing the nation.
Represented by the Director of Employment and Wages, John Nyamali, Abubakar stated, “The minimum wage is now a law, and as a result, it is a punishable crime for any employer to pay less than N70,000 to any of its workers.”
This announcement comes at a critical time when many workers have been struggling to make ends meet amid rising inflation and economic hardship.
Abubakar’s remarks highlight the government’s determination to ensure that no Nigerian worker, regardless of their employment status, receives less than the stipulated wage.
He further urged private employment agencies to incorporate the minimum wage clause into all contracts with their clients, reinforcing the message that compliance is not optional.
“The private employment agencies should make it compulsory in any contract they take from their principal that their workers should not earn less than the minimum wage,” he continued.
“The least paid worker in Nigeria should earn N70,000, and I think that should be after all deductions.”
This directive signals a broader initiative to ensure fair pay and protect workers’ rights in the private sector, where violations of labor laws have been a persistent issue.
The enforcement of this minimum wage law aims to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life for many Nigerians.
The government has made it clear that adherence to this wage structure is critical for fostering a more equitable workforce. Abubakar reinforced this point, stating, “The minimum wage is a law, and you can be jailed if you fail to implement it. The Federal Government is committed to ensuring that the least paid worker goes home with N70,000.”
This initiative is part of a larger strategy to stabilize the economy and restore public trust in labor regulations.
The Federal Government’s proactive stance is designed to hold employers accountable while also empowering workers to demand fair compensation for their labor.
By ensuring compliance with the minimum wage law, the government aims to create a more balanced labor market that supports both economic growth and social justice.
The Federal Government’s call for strict adherence to the N70,000 minimum wage is a significant step toward protecting the rights of workers in Nigeria.
As the economy continues to navigate various challenges, the enforcement of this wage law will be pivotal in promoting fairness and improving the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
The government’s commitment to this cause signals a renewed focus on labor rights and the importance of equitable wages in fostering a healthy economy.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>