Senate okays new minimum wage for all workers, including domestic staff

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced that the newly approved minimum wage of N70,000 applies universally to all workers, including those in the public and private sectors, as well as domestic staff such as maids.

This significant change was confirmed during Tuesday’s plenary session.

The National Assembly expedited the passage of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Amendment Act Bill after its transmission from President Bola Tinubu.

This new legislation updates the previous National Minimum Wage Act, No. 8, 2019, which set the minimum wage at N30,000 with a five-year review period. The new bill reduces the review period to three years, reflecting the current economic conditions.

During the plenary, Akpabio emphasized that the minimum wage now serves as a mandatory baseline for all employment, stating, “If you are a tailor and you employ additional hands, you cannot pay them below N70,000. If you hire a driver, gateman, or housemaid, you must meet the approved minimum wage.” He expressed satisfaction with the new law and urged employers to adhere to this standard.

The Majority Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, highlighted that the N70,000 figure was a result of thorough negotiations involving all stakeholders. He described the new legislation as a crucial step by the Federal Government to address the rising cost of living.

The Senate session was adjourned to September 17, marking the end of a landmark legislative move aimed at improving workers’ conditions across Nigeria.