The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced that the state workers have been receiving N41,500 as the minimum wage, far higher than the N30,000 that was prescribed for workers in the country.
Sanwo-Olu made the announcement through his Head of Service, Mr Olabode Agoro, at the South-West geopolitical zone public hearing of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday.
Due to the rising cost of living and agitations among labour unions in the country, President Bola Tinubu, through Vice President Kashim Shettima, inaugurated a 37-member panel on January 30, 2024, to review the current N30,000 minimum wage.
Speaking during a public hearing, Agoro insisted that Lagos State had always prioritised the welfare of its workers in line with economic realities and as situations demanded.
He said, “The subject of the National Minimum Wage is not just a matter of social policy, it is a reflection of our dedication to ensuring that the hard-working men and women who continue the posterity of our great nation are treated with the dignity and fairness that they deserve.
“In Lagos State, we have always prioritised the welfare of our workers, recognising that a well-compensated and motivated workforce is essential to sustainable development. One notable accomplishment of the state has been the regular review of the minimum wage.
“I am proud to announce that Lagos State has implemented a minimum wage of N41,500, surpassing the standard set by many other states in the region. This step is a testament to our commitment to providing a living wage that reflects the economic realities facing our citizens.”
In 2019, the governor announced the approval of N35,000 through a circular that was issued by the then Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, as the minimum wage.
The statement had read, “In his determination to improve the welfare and well-being of public servants in Lagos State, he graciously approved the implementation of the new minimum wage (N35,000) with effect from November 1, 2019.”
