Minimum wage: NACCIMA faults threat of imprisonment for defaulters

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture has hailed the Federal Government’s decision to begin the payment of the new minimum wage of N70,000 to workers.

This was as it also expressed concerns about the threat of imprisonment for defaulters, describing the decision as unhelpful.

This was according to a statement by the National President of NACCIMA, Dele Oye, on Thursday.

The statement read, “NACCIMA commends the Federal Government’s decision to commence the payment of the new minimum wage of N70,000.

“However, we express concerns about the threat of imprisonment for defaulters as this is unhelpful.

‘While we expect state and local governments that have not yet implemented the new minimum wage to do so, we urge the government to engage with stakeholders, including the labour unions, in a collaborative manner to address the complaint of Labour regarding the alleged breach of contract on the increase in the price of fuel and the economic challenges facing businesses and workers.”

PUNCH Online reported that the FG, on September 19, 2024, called on agencies recruiting for the private sector to adhere to the N70,000 minimum wage, warning that any deviation would not be tolerated.

According to the FG, the new minimum wage was necessary to address the current economic reality, emphasising that no Nigerian worker, whether in government or private employment, should be paid less than the minimum wage.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, stated this while speaking at the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria, recently held in Ikeja, Lagos.