Lagos NLC demands N150,000 minimum wage for state workers

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Chapter, has called on the state government to increase the minimum wage for its workers from the current ₦85,000 to ₦150,000, citing rising living costs in the state.

Chairperson of the chapter, Mrs. Funmi Sesi, made the demand on Thursday while reacting to recent wage reviews by the governments of Imo and Ebonyi states.

Sesi argued that the cost of accommodation, transportation, food, and other essentials in Lagos is significantly higher than in most other states, making an upward review imperative.

“The time has come for an upward review of minimum wage in Lagos. At least someone has taken the bull by the horns and opened the space,” she said.

“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 working conditions that reflect the economic realities, especially in Lagos. We can’t wait for an engagement with the government with a view to approving an improved welfare package for Lagos workers.”

She described the recent wage increases in Imo and Ebonyi states as a welcome development and urged other states to follow suit.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo had earlier this week raised the state’s minimum wage from ₦76,000 to ₦104,000 during a meeting with labour leaders at the Government House, Owerri.

Similarly, Ebonyi State announced an increase from ₦70,000 to ₦90,000 following an Executive Council meeting on Thursday, according to the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebe.