“Lagos will pay 85000 as minimum wage” -Gov Sanwo-Olu

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has revealed a new minimum wage for civil servants in Lagos State, signaling a significant increase aimed at addressing the cost of living in the bustling metropolis.

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television on Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu disclosed, “I’m glad to let you know that the minimum wage for Lagos, which we have discussed with our union, is N85,000 today.”

He emphasized that the decision was not about outpacing other states but rather ensuring that the state’s workforce could sustain themselves in the state’s unique economic environment.

“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,” he explained.

Sanwo-Olu also hinted at a potential increase in January 2024, saying he hopes to raise the minimum wage to N100,000, ensuring that civil servants receive a wage that better aligns with the realities of living in the state.

The announcement comes just months after President Bola Tinubu signed a national minimum wage bill into law, raising the pay package for workers to N70,000.

Sanwo-Olu further described his vision for a state with an efficient public transport system, safety for all residents, and a thriving environment for businesses and creativity.

“A Lagos that encourages all the creative capabilities and minds that we have… A Lagos where the strength is in the people — the social life and the creative world,” the governor added.