Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN) has vowed to clamp down on firms that fail to comply with the national minimum wage and violate decent work standards.

At its 14th AGM in Lagos, EAPEAN President, Nzeribe Okegbue, said the union will partner NLC and Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity to uphold workers’ rights, especially in enforcing the N70,000 wage.

Chief Okegbue said his administration would strengthen the body’s structures and deepen its collaboration with regulatory and international labour bodies.

He said: “Our plan is to reinforce our structure and relationship with the ministry, ILO, IOM, and others.

The president, who decried reports that some companies still pay workers N20,000 to N50,000 monthly, said the union would no longer remain silent on the issue.

“For us, decent work starts with decent pay. You cannot talk about decent work when workers earn far below N70,000 minimum wage. That is unacceptable. Decent work also means ensuring worker safety and a healthy work environment,” Okegbue added.

Past President, Olufemi Ogunlowo, noted challenges facing the private sector. He cited rising costs, inflation, restrictive policies, and a weak infrastructure base as hurdles.

“The new wage has driven up costs while inflation erodes profit margins. Despite these, we will promote ethical recruitment, digitizing job processes, and ensure compliance with labour laws.

Protecting job seekers and migrant workers remains top priority,” he added. Both leaders pledge to seek ethical standards, and work with stakeholders to ensure fair and decent employment practice. (The Nation)