The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Lagos State Government to implement a ₦150,000 minimum wage for workers in the state, citing the high cost of living and recent wage increases in Imo and Ebonyi states.
The demand was made during a recent meeting between labour leaders and state officials, where the NLC argued that the current minimum wage no longer reflects the economic conditions in Lagos, particularly in areas of housing, transportation, food, and healthcare.
NLC Lagos State Chairman, Comrade Funmi Sessi, said workers are struggling to survive under the present wage structure, especially with rising inflation, removal of fuel subsidy, and a weakening naira.
Sesi said that Lagos workers currently earn N85,000 as minimum wage and deserve an upward review in line with the state’s higher cost of accommodation, transportation, feeding, and utilities.
“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.
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“The cost of living in Lagos is significantly higher than in many other parts of the country. We are demanding a minimum wage of ₦150,000 to ensure that workers can live with dignity and provide for their families,” she stated.
The labour union also urged the state government to prioritize policies that support improved worker welfare, affordable housing, and access to essential services.
She added that no one could blame Governor Sanwo-Olu now if he implements a higher wage for Lagos workers, stressing that they deserve a better wage and decent working conditions commensurate with the economic realities, especially in Lagos.
The State NLC boss expressed optimism that all state governments would emulate Imo and Ebonyi.
Recall that Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State had earlier announced an increase in the minimum wage for state civil servants from N76,000 to N104,000.
In the same vein, the Ebonyi Government raised its workers’ minimum wage from N70,000 to N90,000.
While the Lagos State Government has not issued an official response, discussions are expected to continue as part of broader negotiations on wage adjustments across the country.