By Habeeb Ibrahim
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has approved a new minimum wage of ₦85,000 for civil servants, marking a significant increase aimed at addressing the high cost of living in the state. The announcement was made on Wednesday during an interview with Channels Television.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the increase is not about competing with other states but about ensuring that workers in Lagos can afford a decent standard of living. He acknowledged that living expenses in Lagos are higher compared to other parts of the country.
“I’m glad to let you know that the minimum wage for Lagos, which we have discussed with our union, is ₦85,000 today,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He further expressed his hope of raising the minimum wage to ₦100,000 by January 2025, stating, “I want my people to have a living wage.”
This move comes after the Federal Government’s approval of a ₦70,000 minimum wage earlier in the year, following negotiations with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other labor unions. Sanwo-Olu’s decision sets Lagos apart as one of the highest-paying states for civil servants in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, also announced an increase in its minimum wage to ₦77,000. The decision was reached after discussions with the NLC, Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC). Governor Abiodun stressed that the increase was part of his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of Ogun State workers.
“We are pleased to announce the approval of ₦77,000 as the new minimum wage for the lowest-paid workers in Ogun State, effective immediately,” Abiodun said in a statement on Tuesday. He also encouraged the private sector to adopt similar measures to ensure fair wages for their employees.
