LAGOS, Nigeria — Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced a significant increase in the state’s minimum wage, raising it to N85,000.
The governor made the announcement on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, citing Lagos’ financial capacity and the high cost of living as key factors behind the decision.
“I am glad to inform you that the minimum wage for Lagos, which was discussed with our union, is now N85,000,” Sanwo-Olu said during the interview, stressing that the decision was not driven by competition but by the state’s affordability and its recognition of the economic realities faced by workers in Lagos.
Cost of Living Consideration
The governor emphasised that the wage adjustment reflects the premium cost of living in Lagos, the country’s commercial hub.
“Lagos is unique, and we have to acknowledge that the cost of living here is significantly higher than in many other parts of the country,” Sanwo-Olu explained.
“It is important for workers to earn a wage that aligns with the state’s economic realities.”
Lagos State has already implemented a salary increase earlier in the year, a move Sanwo-Olu described as part of his administration’s ongoing effort to ensure that workers can live decently and feel the impact of government support.
Plans for Further Increase
Sanwo-Olu also shared his ambitions to further raise the minimum wage to N100,000 by January 2025.
“I hope to return in January to announce that we have raised Lagos’ minimum wage to N100,000, not to outshine anyone, but to ensure that our workers can earn a living wage,” he added, underscoring his commitment to improving the welfare of state employees.
The wage increase in Lagos comes amid rising inflation and economic challenges across Nigeria.
Many Nigerian states are grappling with balancing fiscal sustainability with the need to provide adequate wages for civil servants, making Lagos’ decision a notable development in the national discourse on labour and compensation.
Worker Welfare a Priority
The Lagos State government has reiterated its commitment to addressing the needs of its workers, particularly as inflationary pressures increase the cost of basic goods and services.
“Our administration remains committed to improving the welfare of Lagos State workers and ensuring that the government stays responsive to their needs,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor’s announcement has been welcomed by labour unions in the state, who have long advocated for a wage increase to reflect better the high cost of living in Lagos.
As the state continues to grow as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, many workers are looking to the government for support in maintaining their standard of living.
The proposed increase to N100,000 in 2025 signals that the Sanwo-Olu administration is not only focused on immediate relief but is also planning for the long-term welfare of the state’s workforce.
