The Federal Government has directed private recruitment agencies to adhere strictly to the newly implemented N70,000 minimum wage, emphasizing that any deviations from this directive will not be tolerated.
During the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria in Ikeja, Lagos, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, reiterated that paying workers less than the minimum wage is now illegal.
Abubakar, represented by Director-General John Nyamali, stressed that private recruitment agencies must ensure clients pay employees at least the minimum wage in all contracts. He warned that failure to implement this can result in legal consequences, including imprisonment.
Dr. Olufemi Ogunlowo, President of the Private Employment Agencies Association of Nigeria, expressed commitment to enforcing the minimum wage but requested clarification on whether the N70,000 is net or gross. He emphasized the need to resolve ambiguities in the law.
Funmilayo Sessi, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly NLC, urged private employers to pay the minimum wage immediately, acknowledging that even N70,000 may not be sufficient in the current economic climate. The Lagos NLC vowed to strictly enforce the minimum wage.
