Implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage just signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari takes effect from April 18, a presidential aide, Mr Ita Enang, has announced.

Enang, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, told State House correspondents on Thursday in Abuja that the Minimum Wage Repel and Enactment Act, 2019 has replaced the existing one.

According to him, the bill now makes it mandatory for employers of labour in both public and private organisations to pay N30,000 as minimum wage.

“You can see me smiling on behalf of Nigerian workers. Mr Buhari has assented to the Minimum Wage Repel and Enactment Act, 2019.

“This makes it compulsory for all employers of labour in Nigeria to pay to their workers the sum of N30,000.

“This excludes persons who are employing less than 25 workers, persons who work in a ship which sails out of jurisdiction and other persons who are in other kinds of regulated employment which are accepted by the Act.

“It also gives workers the right if you are compelled by any circumstance to accept salary that is less than N30,000 to sue your employer to recover the balance.

“It also authorises the minister of labour and any person nominated by the minister or any person designated by the minister of labour in any ministry, department or agency to on your behalf, take action in your name against such employer to recover the balance of your wages,” he said.

According to the presidential aide, the bill ensures and mandates National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission and the minister or labour, to be chief and principal enforcers of the provisions of this law.

“This law applies to all agencies, persons and bodies throughout Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Enang enjoined Nigerian workers to continue to support the president and his administration’s policies in return for the gesture.

“Mr President will celebrate with workers and Federal Government will celebrate. This is Mr President showing workers the love he has for them and we will match with the Nigerian workers.”

Asked if it the new minimum wage covers National Youth Service Corps, Mr Enang said, “It covers all persons covered by the Act.”

NAN