Kachollom Daju, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, delivered this message during an event in Ikeja, Lagos.
“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,” Daju emphasized, underscoring the importance of the updated wage in addressing the current economic realities faced by Nigerian workers.
She further clarified that no Nigerian worker should earn less than the mandated minimum wage, whether in public or private employment. Daju urged private employment agencies to ensure that any contracts they secure from their principals include provisions for their workers to receive at least N70,000.
“The least paid worker in Nigeria should earn N70,000, and I think that should be after all deductions,” Daju added, noting that strict enforcement will follow to ensure compliance. Employers found guilty of violating the law could face imprisonment.
The government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare comes amid rising inflation and economic hardship. This new wage policy is part of a broader strategy to ease financial pressures on the average Nigerian. With this law now in place, employers are advised to adjust their payroll systems to avoid legal consequences.
