Paul Akomolehin, South West
DAILY COURIER — Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a significant move aimed at improving the welfare of Lagos State workers, has announced plans to implement a new minimum wage of N85,000 for public servants in the state.
This decision was revealed during a live interview on Channels TV, titled “One-on-One with Babajide Sanwo-Olu”, held on Wednesday evening.
Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the new wage plan had already been discussed with labor unions and was a reflection of the state's financial capacity and commitment to enhancing the living standards of its workers.
"You mentioned minimum wage and what I need to throw in for my people. I’m glad to let you know that the minimum wage for Lagos, which we’ve discussed with our union, is N85,000 today," Sanwo-Olu said during the interview.
The governor emphasized that this decision was not driven by competition with other states but was based on Lagos State's capacity to sustain the wage increase. He highlighted that while some other states may not offer the same, Lagos has carefully evaluated its resources to ensure the increment is feasible and sustainable.
“It’s not a competition, so I’m not going to say that we’re paying more than some other people; it’s a function of affordability and a function of capacity,” Sanwo-Olu explained.
The announcement positions Lagos as one of the leading states in Nigeria in terms of minimum wage offerings. The current national minimum wage stands at N30,000, meaning the proposed N85,000 represents a significant boost for the workforce in the state, aligning with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to worker welfare.
This wage increase is expected to provide relief to Lagos State workers, particularly as inflation and the rising cost of living continue to pose challenges nationwide. The governor did not specify the exact date for the rollout of the new wage but assured that the discussions with labor unions are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
The new minimum wage is seen as part of Sanwo-Olu's broader efforts to uplift the economic status of Lagosians and further establish Lagos as an economically stable state with the capacity to cater to the needs of its workforce.
Lagos remains the economic hub of Nigeria, and Sanwo-Olu's administration has been focused on infrastructural development, healthcare, education, and now, the welfare of its public servants.