Senator Shehu Sani has issued a firm reminder to employers across Nigeria regarding the enforcement of the ₦70,000 minimum wage law. In a statement shared on his verified Twitter account, the former lawmaker cautioned that paying employees less than the mandated amount could result in jail time.
He further clarified that this law applies to all categories of workers, not just civil servants.
“If you pay your employees below ₦70,000, you can be jailed. This includes your security man, driver, nanny, housemaid, shopkeeper, and salesboy or the girl working in your salon or restaurant,” Sani wrote, emphasizing that all private and domestic workers are covered under the law.
The statement underscores a common misconception that the ₦70,000 minimum wage is limited to government employees. Sani’s comments highlight the need for private sector employers, especially those in informal sectors like domestic services, retail, and hospitality, to comply with the law. The minimum wage policy was introduced as part of government efforts to improve workers’ living conditions amid the rising cost of living and inflation.
With Nigeria’s economic challenges, many workers in informal jobs earn far below the mandated minimum wage. Sani’s warning is aimed at ensuring that all workers, regardless of their employment type, are paid fairly. Employers who fail to adhere to the law may face severe penalties, including imprisonment.