Sanwo-Olu Raises Lagos Minimum Wage to N85,000

In a bold move to address the rising cost of living in Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced an increase in the minimum wage for state civil servants to N85,000. This increase is a testament to Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Lagosians, as it comes just months after a previous wage increase in January 2024.

As Governor Sanwo-Olu explained, the decision to raise the minimum wage was driven by a desire to make life more affordable for Lagos workers. He emphasized that the government’s goal is not to compete with other states, but rather to ensure that Lagosians have a comfortable standard of living.

“This is not about competition, it’s about doing what’s best for our people,” Sanwo-Olu stated. “We want to make sure that living in Lagos is not just about surviving, but thriving.”

While the governor acknowledged the financial implications of increasing the minimum wage, he was confident that the benefits for both workers and the state would far outweigh the costs.

“We know that increasing the minimum wage will have an impact on the state’s finances, but we believe that the increased purchasing power and productivity of our workers will more than compensate for this,” Sanwo-Olu explained. “A happy and financially secure workforce is a more productive workforce, and that ultimately benefits everyone in Lagos.”

With this announcement, Lagos becomes one of the first states in Nigeria to move beyond the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the federal government, setting a precedent for other states to follow.

The move is being hailed by workers’ unions and labor activists as a victory for the Nigerian people, who have long struggled to make ends meet in a country where the cost of living has been rising rapidly.

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s decision is not just a win for workers, but also a sign of his commitment to building a more equitable and prosperous Lagos.

By ensuring that his administration prioritizes the needs of the working class, Sanwo-Olu is sending a powerful message that Lagos is a city where everyone, regardless of their income or background, can thrive.

“Lagos is a city of opportunity, and we want to make sure that everyone has a chance to succeed,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Referenece and Citations:

• Arisenews – Governor Sanwo – Olu Approves N85,000 minimum wage for Lagos
• Thisdaylive – Sanwo – Olu Approves N85, 000 new minimum wage for Lagos civil servants
• PUNCH – updated: Lagos to pay N85, 000 minimum wage, says Sanwo – Olu