Nigeria's National Minimum Wage Act sets the floor wage for employees. The current minimum wage is ₦70,000/month (2024). Paying below this is an offence; employees can recover arrears through the National Industrial Court.
The National Minimum Wage Act, 2019 (as amended) establishes the minimum wage that all employers with 25 or more employees must pay. The Act was amended in 2024 to raise the minimum to ₦70,000 per month. Key provisions: - All covered employers must pay at least the statutory minimum wage. - An employee paid less than the minimum wage can recover the underpayment plus interest. - Employers who fail to pay the minimum wage commit an offence and can be fined. - The minimum wage is reviewed periodically by a committee. - Piece-rate, commission, and casual workers are also entitled to the minimum wage equivalent. Disputes about minimum wage can be reported to the Ministry of Labour and Employment or taken to the National Industrial Court (NICN). The trade union (NLC or TUC) also plays a role in enforcement and negotiation of the national minimum wage.
A restaurant pays its waiters ₦30,000/month after the minimum wage was raised to ₦70,000. The workers are owed ₦40,000 each per month. They can file a claim at the NICN for the arrears plus interest.
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