As at 2011, the minimum wage was increased to #18,000 from #7,500 and #5,500 respectively and it is set to be reviewed upwards to about #65,000. Does this apply to only government employees? Why do private companies pay lesser than the minimum wage?
It is true that minimum wage is the least amount of money any worker/employee should earn as earnings within a period regardless of the firm/company/ministry or govt. establishment you work but there are certain exceptions.

1. An establishment in which less than fifty workers are employed;
2. An establishment in which workers are employed on part-time basis;
3. An establishment at which workers are paid on commission basis;
4. Workers in seasonal employment such as agriculture;
5. Any person employed in a vessel or aircraft to which the laws regulating merchant shipping or civil aviation apply.

If your company does not fall within the exceptions and you’re being paid less, file a complaint to the Minister of Labour and your M.D could be convicted to a fine of 20,000 and/or 1,000 for each day in the case of a continuing trespass for contravening the Minimum Wage Act cap N61 LFRN 2004.

Note: the exceptions vary as the Minister has the powers to include more exceptions as he deems necessary in the interest of National economy and published in the federal Gazette.

O.M OKUWOBI
LINCOLN ATTORNEYS

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