Nigeria Rights Guide

Employer Has Not Paid My Wages in Nigeria: Your Rights

Nigerian law requires employers to pay wages on the agreed date. The minimum wage is ₦70,000/month. Report unpaid wages to the Ministry of Labour — free.

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Direct Answer

Under the Labour Act 2004, your employer must pay your wages on the agreed date. Nigeria's National Minimum Wage is currently ₦70,000 per month. If your employer has withheld wages, you can file a free complaint with the state Ministry of Labour, or take your claim directly to the National Industrial Court.

What the Law Says

Your Legal Foundation

Labour Act Cap L1 2004

Section 7

“Every employer shall give each worker a written statement of the terms of employment, including the rate and method of calculating wages.”

National Minimum Wage Act 2019 (as amended)

Section 1

“The national minimum wage payable to workers in Nigeria shall be ₦70,000 per month.”

Labour Act Cap L1 2004

Section 4

“Wages shall be paid in full, at regular intervals, and not less frequently than at the end of each period for which wages are calculated.”

What to Do

Step-by-Step Guide

1Put your demand in writing. Send your employer a letter or email listing the months unpaid, the amounts owed, and requesting payment within 7 days. Keep a copy.
2File a complaint with the state Ministry of Labour. Bring payslips, your contract, and bank statements. A Labour Officer will summon your employer for conciliation. Free.
3If conciliation fails, file a claim at the National Industrial Court. There is no minimum claim amount — even small wage arrears qualify.
4If your employer is paying below the ₦70,000 minimum wage, report directly to the Ministry of Labour. Paying below minimum wage is a criminal offence under the Minimum Wage Act.

What to Say

Exact Words to Use

“"My wages for [month/period] totalling ₦[amount] have not been paid. Under Section 4 of the Labour Act, wages must be paid at regular intervals. I require full payment within 7 days or I will file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour and the National Industrial Court."”

Tone: Written — send to employer by email or letter

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

My employer is paying me less than ₦70,000 — what can I do?

Report to the state Ministry of Labour immediately. Paying below the national minimum wage is a criminal offence. Both the employer and any person who aids the underpayment can be prosecuted.

Can my employer deduct from my wages without my agreement?

No. Under the Labour Act, deductions are only permitted for tax, pension (PENCOM), and amounts specifically agreed to in writing in your contract. Any other deduction is illegal.

My pension contributions are being deducted but not remitted to PenCom — what can I do?

This is a serious offence. Report directly to the National Pension Commission (PenCom) at 09-461 8527. Failure to remit pension contributions attracts heavy penalties on the employer.

I am a domestic worker — do I have the same wage rights?

The Labour Act formally covers domestic workers. They are entitled to the minimum wage, regular payment, and written terms of employment. File with the Ministry of Labour if your employer withholds wages.

Get Help Now

Resources & Helplines

State Ministry of Labour and Employment

Visit your state office

Free wage complaint processing. Offices in all 36 states and FCT.
National Industrial Court (NIC)

nicn.gov.ng

Formal wage claims — no minimum amount required.
National Pension Commission (PenCom)

09-461 8527

Report non-remittance of pension contributions.
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)

09-234 7533

Union support and worker advocacy.

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