Renowned human rights activist and former Senator, Shehu Sani, has sounded a stern warning to employers across Nigeria, cautioning them about the legal consequences of paying their employees below the newly approved ₦70,000 minimum wage. In a bold statement on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Sani emphasized that the law applies not only to civil servants but to all categories of workers, from domestic staff to retail employees.
“If you pay your employees below ₦70k, you can be jailed. This includes your security man, driver, nanny, housemaid, shopkeeper, and salesboy or girl working in your salon or restaurant,” Sani tweeted, making it clear that no sector is exempt from adhering to the minimum wage law.
His remarks come in the wake of President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval of a ₦70,000 minimum wage, aimed at alleviating the economic strain on Nigerian workers amidst rising inflation and the high cost of living. While many initially assumed the wage hike would apply strictly to civil servants, Sani’s message serves as a reminder that the law has a broader scope and covers all forms of employment, formal and informal alike.
“Make una know say the ₦70k law no be for civil servants alone,” he added, addressing employers with a colloquial urgency, warning them to take note of the law’s far-reaching implications. Sani’s declaration sheds light on the legal risks awaiting non-compliant employers, signaling the potential for enforcement actions that could include jail time for offenders.
With his background as a fierce advocate for social justice and workers’ rights, Shehu Sani’s call to action reinforces the need for employers to prioritize fair treatment and compensation for their staff, regardless of the sector. His warning serves as a crucial reminder that the fight for economic justice extends beyond the corridors of government offices and into the homes, shops, and businesses of everyday Nigerians.
As the nation transitions into a new wage regime, the former senator’s words will likely resonate with workers and employers alike, urging compliance with the law to avoid the dire consequences of non-adherence.
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