Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced that the state will implement a minimum wage of N85,000 for its workers, which is N15,000 higher than the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government in July.
This new wage reflects the state’s capacity to support its workforce and is not intended as a competitive move against other states.
During a televised interview on Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu stated, “I am glad to let you know that the minimum wage for Lagos, which we discussed with our union, is N85,000 today.” He emphasized that the decision stems from affordability and the unique cost of living in Lagos, rather than an attempt to outdo other regions.
Earlier in the year, the state had already increased salaries for workers, and Sanwo-Olu expressed his aspiration to further raise the minimum wage to N100,000 by January 2025. “I would like to come back to you in January to say I have been able to increase the minimum wage of Lagos to N100,000 not because I want to make anybody look bad, but because I want my people to have a living wage and know that the government is working for them,” he explained.
In addition to the wage announcement, Sanwo-Olu shared his vision for Lagos, aiming to transform it into a city that works for everyone, regardless of their background. He addressed the ongoing challenge of heavy traffic congestion and outlined his dream of a Lagos with predictable journey times. “You can come out of your house or your office and safely say that in 30 minutes, plus or minus 5 minutes, you can get to your destination,” he said.
The governor also highlighted his commitment to fostering a conducive environment for business growth, ensuring that Lagos remains an enabling hub for economic development.
