Lagos NLC urges Gov. Sanwo-Olu to raise minimum wage from ₦85,000 to ₦150,000, citing high living costs and wage hikes recently approved in Imo and Ebonyi.
The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has renewed calls for a significant upward review of workers’ salaries, demanding that the state government increase the minimum wage from ₦85,000 to ₦150,000.
This demand follows the recent announcement by the governments of Imo and Ebonyi States, which approved new wage increments for their workers.
According to the NLC, the move by the two states demonstrates the growing recognition of the urgent need to review wages across the country in line with current economic challenges.
Speaking on Thursday in Lagos, the Chairperson of the NLC Lagos Chapter, Mrs. Funmi Sesi, described the Imo and Ebonyi wage adjustments as a commendable step toward improving workers’ welfare.
She maintained that if states with relatively lower revenue profiles could increase their minimum wage, Lagos, which is widely regarded as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, has no justification for lagging behind.
Sesi emphasized that the economic situation in Lagos is uniquely demanding when compared to other states.
She highlighted the exorbitant cost of accommodation, skyrocketing transportation fares, feeding expenses, and rising utility bills, all of which have continued to stretch the income of workers beyond their limits.
“Life in Lagos is far more expensive than in most other parts of Nigeria. Workers spend a large portion of their salaries on rent, transport, food, and basic utilities.
“An ₦85,000 wage simply cannot sustain the average family in this state. That is why we are calling for ₦150,000 as a new minimum wage that truly reflects present realities,” she said.
The NLC chairperson further appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to seize the opportunity to set a benchmark for workers’ welfare across the federation.
She pointed out that with Imo and Ebonyi taking the lead, there is now a precedent that gives Lagos the moral and political grounds to implement a higher wage without fear of criticism.
“No one can fault Governor Sanwo-Olu if he approves ₦150,000 as the new minimum wage. In fact, Lagos workers deserve nothing less.
“Our expectation is that the government will prioritize the welfare of its employees by ensuring fair pay and decent working conditions that are commensurate with today’s economic situation,” Sesi added.
Mrs. Sesi also expressed optimism that the Lagos State Government would open channels of engagement with labour representatives in the coming weeks to deliberate on the demand for a new wage structure.
According to her, the NLC is ready to sit at the negotiation table with the government to agree on a comprehensive welfare package that will not only address salaries but also improve the overall conditions of service for Lagos workers.
The labour leader concluded by commending the governors of Imo and Ebonyi for their proactive approach and urged other states to emulate the gesture.
She argued that improved remuneration remains key to industrial harmony, productivity, and the dignity of the Nigerian worker.
“Once again, we are hopeful that this bold step taken by two states will serve as a signal to others. We believe Lagos will take the lead in setting an example for worker-friendly policies, considering its economic strength and strategic position in the nation,” she said.