Shehu Sani Sparks Debate Over ₦70,000 Minimum Wage Law

Senator Shehu Sani has emphasized that the ₦70,000 minimum wage law applies to all workers, not just civil servants. He wrote, “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… Make una know say the ₦70k law no be for civil servants alone.”

Former Senator of Kaduna State, Shehu Sani, sparked widespread reactions with a post on X (formerly Twitter), addressing the implications of Nigeria’s new minimum wage law.

In his post, Sani emphasized that the ₦70,000 minimum wage law applies to all workers, not just civil servants. He wrote, “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… Make una know say the ₦70k law no be for civil servants alone.”

This comment sparked a mix of humor, concern, and criticism from social media users. Some doubted how realistic the law is, while others pointed out the current economic problems in the country.

One user, Odogwu Anioma, pointed out a legal technicality, noting, “Same law stipulates the size of your employees before it applies to you or your organization.” In response to Sani’s comment, Paul of Truth remarked sarcastically, “This is hilarious, in a dying economy that people cannot even feed properly due to high cost of living.” Similarly, Ndubuisi Okorie raised concerns about implementation, saying, “Have they started paying? They made the law and should implement it first.”

Other users highlighted the struggles of specific industries. Chief Ome Ego commented on the situation in private schools, stating, “Oga Sani, most private schools in Nigeria pay their teachers below ₦35,000 monthly.” Similarly, Eseoghene Efe shared a personal story about a school that shut down multiple branches due to its inability to meet the wage requirements, which left teachers jobless and students, including his own children, stranded.

However, one user, Ohiokhai, pointed out the disparity between criticism of government employers and private sector practices, saying, “In this country, we can abuse those in government but are not bold enough to talk face-to-face with the private sector. Private school owners think they are doing their employees a favor.”

Recall that the Federal Government had earlier issued a strict warning that no worker should be paid less than ₦70,000, whether employed in the public or private sector.

At the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria in Lagos, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Kachollom Daju, stated that employers who fail to meet this minimum wage requirement could face jail time. Daju emphasized,

This government directive aims to address the growing economic challenges but has left many businesses, particularly in the private sector, struggling to comply. The confusion surrounding the practical application of the law, such as whether the ₦70,000 is net or gross pay, remains a critical issue.

See other reactions below:

@OIykepaul: What they can’t destroy doesn’t exist. 😂😅😅😅

@EricEsoimeme: You need to read the National Minimum Wage Act again. It says that ‘Every employer shall pay a National minimum wage of not less than N70,000 per month to every worker under his establishment, except as provided under the Act.’ Now read the exceptions in the Act.

@Ojo_Tabiti: What about state governments that do not follow the minimum wage law?”

@Somidotun7: Or if you can’t afford domestic workers, do not take them.

@OSASONAOLUWASEU: Please tell private school owners that are paying ₦25,000 – ₦35,000.

@DBISHOPABJ:Distinguished Senator, please, how many private sectors have all it takes to pay the ₦70k minimum wage? Has the government’s policies enabled private operators to get enough energy security to be able to afford to pay their workers?

@ADEB0YE: Make everybody dey do their chores by themselves.

@OchaduAchadu: There used to be a law which stipulates that those employing 25 and above are mandated. Has it changed? Shocking that a government that has not honored its own words and agreement is trying to shift attention to private individuals. Gaslighting.

@Chipauleze: Minimum wage signed in July, applauded/hyped the whole of August, adjustment committee started sitting in September, will submit report in October, circular sent to relevant MDAs by November, implementation by December. Nigeria, we hail thee.

@demola6319: Nawa o, I think it is for Government workers alone, but I want to know if my Governor pays that ₦70k to the civil servants in my state before I start my own.

@EseogheneThomo1: Sir, businesses are closing down! My kid’s school closed down 12 of their branches because they can’t afford to pay ₦70k. The development affects my kids. Two were on scholarship; I only pay for one. Now I’m looking for money to register three of them. Teachers are jobless now.

@mustybature11: It’s true sir. 😂😂😂

@adinga_shunom What about builders and concrete mixers, farmers nko?

@essentialbolu: Mallam, it is ₦70k before taxes and statutory deductions. If your employer claims it or he is deducting taxes, you have to ensure it is being remitted. Same for pensions.

@hetchglobal: The ones in my shop are all my children. 🤣🤣🤣

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