The organised labour has lauded Lagos State Gov. Babjide Sanwo-Olu’s approval of N85,000 minimum wage for the state workers.
In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos, labour leaders described the approval as a right step in the right direction.
NAN reports that Sanwo-Olu, during an interview on a television station, announced that his administration would pay workers a minimum wage of N85,000.
Sanwo-Olu said that he wanted the people to know “that their government is working for them”.
The Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos State Chapter, Mrs Funmi Sessi, said that the pronouncement was a welcome development at the critical time of the nation’s economy.
Sessi said, however, that the union had expected more than N85,000 due to the peculiarities in the state.
“The state governor knows the peculiarities of Lagos in transportation, accommodation, utility and feeding; the workers and Lagosians pay more on all these.
“We were expecting nothing less than N100,000 but, at least, it is a step in the right direction.
“We are expecting a massive infrastructure provision in the state, there should be an alternative to road transportation,“ she said.
The chairman urged the government to ensure security and protection of lives on waterways.
“Recently, there was an accident that happened where two boats collided at night and we lost lives.
“If people are sure of getting to their destinations safely, they will like to take alternatives to road.
Also, Mr Ishola Adejumo, the Chairman, Radio, Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, also commended the governor for the approval.
Adejumo described the cost of living in Lagos as very high, saying that there was need for a commensurate wage.
“The N85,000 minimum wage is a welcome development and very much anticipated.
“This is a state that sets pace for other states in Nigeria; the centre of excellence, land of aquatic splendour, a cosmopolitan state, the economic hub of this country.
“Therefore, people who work in Lagos deserve a better wage because they spend more compared to other states,” he said.
Adejumo urged the governor to sustain the tempo in other areas.
“The governor should sustain the BRT subsidy and all other measures that will bring succour and happiness to the working people of Lagos.
“We congratulate him and thank him,” he said.
