Lagos to pay N85,000 minimum wage, says Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced that the minimum wage for civil servants in the state is now N85, 000.

Sanwo-Olu made the announcement yesterday during an interview with Channels Television, anchored by Seun Okinbaloye.

He explained that the new wage was agreed upon after discussions with the state’s union. The governor noted that the increase was necessary due to the high cost of living in Lagos, while expressing his desire to further increase the minimum wage to N100, 000 in the future.

Sanwo-Olu assured that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of civil servants, ensuring they receive a living wage.

He said: “I’m glad to let you know that the minimum wage for Lagos, which we have discussed with our union, is N85,000 today.”

“It is not a competition. I am not going to say that we are paying more than some people, it is a function of affordability and capacity.

“We know too well that when people live in Lagos, Lagos has a premium in terms of the cost of living. We are fully aware.

“We actually increased our salary earlier in the year, deservingly so, for our staff and we will continue to do that. I will want to come back in January and say that I have been able to increase the minimum wage of Lagos to N100,000, not because I want to make anybody look bad, but because I want my people to have a living wage.

“I want them to know that the government is working for their (workers) well being. We will tie up where we don’t really need expenses and be able to give them comessurate things that will take them home and not leave them stranded. We are also differentiating for our workers.”