Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced a new minimum wage of ₦85,000 for civil servants, with plans to raise it to ₦100,000 by January 2025. This announcement was made during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on October 16, 2024.
Details of the Announcement
Governor Sanwo-Olu pointed out that the new minimum wage is ₦15,000 higher than the federal minimum wage of ₦70,000, which was established earlier this year following extensive negotiations between labour unions and the federal government. He stated that the decision to increase wages reflects Lagos State’s capacity to support its workers and is not intended to outshine other states.
“We are not competing with other states; it is a function of affordability and capacity,” Sanwo-Olu explained. He acknowledged the high cost of living in Lagos and expressed his commitment to ensuring that workers receive a living wage that allows them to thrive.
Future Plans for Wage Increases
Looking ahead, Sanwo-Olu expressed his desire to further increase the minimum wage to ₦100,000 in January 2025. “I would like to come back to you in January to say that I have been able to increase the minimum wage of Lagos to ₦100,000,” he stated. This commitment underscores his administration’s focus on improving the quality of life for residents and demonstrating that the government is responsive to their needs.
Reactions from Labour Unions
The announcement has been welcomed by the Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). NLC Chairman Agnes Funmi noted that while they support the ₦85,000 minimum wage for now, they expect the government to continue investing in infrastructure and services that benefit workers. “The ₦85,000 is the highest for now,” she remarked.
Economic Context
The decision comes amid rising inflation and economic challenges faced by many Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidies and currency deregulation. The NLC and other labour unions have been vocal about the need for higher wages to keep pace with increasing living costs.
Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to raising wages aligns with ongoing discussions among various state governments regarding the implementation of the new federal minimum wage. While some states have begun negotiations on salary adjustments, others are still deliberating on how best to implement these changes.
As the governor prepares for a potential increase in January 2025, this initiative reflects a broader commitment to improving living standards in one of Nigeria’s most populous states.
By Joseph Johnston,
Youth Editor,
Egogonews Hub
