Minimum Wage Debate Heats Up ‘Labour Unions Call Out Sanwo-Olu’ For Not Meeting ₦100,000 Demand

Minimum Wage Debate Heats Up ‘Labour Unions Call Out Sanwo-Olu’ For Not Meeting ₦100,000 DemandOrganized Labour has praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for approving a new ₦85,000 minimum wage for Lagos State employees. Although the union initially expected a wage of ₦100,000 or more, given the high cost of living in Lagos, it acknowledged that Sanwo-Olu’s decision was a positive move.

“We anticipated nothing less than ₦100,000, but this is at least a step in the right direction,” the union remarked. Sanwo-Olu made the announcement during an interview with Channels Television, stating that the wage increase is aligned with the state’s affordability and capacity.

Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Lagos is aware of its unique cost-of-living challenges in areas such as transportation, accommodation, and utilities. He expressed hopes to further raise the minimum wage to ₦100,000 in the future to ensure that workers earn a living wage.

The Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos State Chapter Chairperson, Funmi Sessi, commended the wage approval as a timely response to economic pressures. She highlighted the need for continued infrastructure development and alternatives to road transportation, urging the government to enhance safety on waterways.

Ishola Adejumo, Chairman of the Radio, Television, Theatre, and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria, also praised the move, calling Lagos a pace-setting state and noting that workers deserve better wages due to the high living costs.