The Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the state government to raise the minimum wage of its workers from the current N85,000 to N150,000, citing the rising cost of living in the nation’s commercial hub.
Chairperson of the chapter, Mrs Funmi Sesi, made the call yesterday while reacting to the recent wage increase for workers in Imo and Ebonyi states.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo had this week approved N104,000 as the new minimum wage for state civil servants, while Ebonyi State announced an increase from N70,000 to N90,000.
Sesi described the move by the two states as commendable, saying it has set a new benchmark for other governments to follow.
“The time has come for an upward review of minimum wage in Lagos. At least someone has taken the bull by the horn and opened the space,” she said.
According to her, the economic realities in Lagos are harsher compared to most states, with workers grappling with higher costs of housing, transport, feeding, and utilities.
“No one can blame Governor Sanwo-Olu now if he implements a higher wage for Lagos workers, because we deserve a better wage and decent work conditions that will be commensurate with the economic realities in the country, especially in Lagos,” she stressed.
She noted that Lagos workers “cannot wait” for an engagement with government to agree on an improved welfare package that reflects their contribution to the state’s economy.
The Lagos NLC boss expressed optimism that the recent upward reviews in Imo and Ebonyi would embolden other states to act, adding that the welfare of workers remained a critical factor in sustaining productivity and industrial harmony.
