In an announcement by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the recently approved minimum wage is applicable to all employees in the public and private sectors, including domestic workers such as maids.
During Tuesday’s plenary session, Akpabio made it clear that the bill swiftly passed through both chambers of the National Assembly shortly after being transmitted by President Bola Tinubu.
Addressing the assembly, the Senate President emphasized, “If you are a tailor who hires extra help, you must pay them no less than N70,000. Similarly, if you are a parent looking to employ a housemaid for child care, the approved minimum wage must be adhered to. This wage is not a maximum; it is a standard that applies to everyone.”
“Whether you hire a driver or a security guard, the wage must not be lower than N70,000,” he added. “I am pleased with the passage of this bill and anticipate that employers will uphold this benchmark for all employees.”
Extending congratulations to the Nigeria Labour Congress, the nation, and the National Assembly, Akpabio commended the landmark legislation which has shortened the wage negotiation period from five years to three years due to rising living expenses.
The sitting was adjourned to 17th September.
Following the transmission of the new wage bill by President Bola Tinubu, the Senate approved the 2024 National Minimum Wage Amendment Act Bill, emphasizing the reduction of the wage review period from five to three years.
During deliberations on the bill, Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele highlighted that N70,000 was agreed upon by all parties following negotiations, serving as a short-term measure by the Federal Government to address the ongoing economic challenges in the country.