Sanwo-Olu Assures New Minimum Wage For Lagos Workers
By Felix Kuyinu
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has promised to pay the newly proposed minimum wage to workers in the state.
Sanwo-Olu, commemorating this year’s Worker’s Day, made the pledge while reacting to the demands of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, on improving the welfare of the state’s workers.
At the event on Wednesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, the Governor said his administration will look into the demands of various unions in the State, disclosing that the executive arm will continue to ensure good welfare packages for all workers.
“I appreciate the committed, dedicated, resilient, and passionate workers in Lagos State for their contributions across all sectors in building and shaping the State, even in the face of challenges,” Sanwo-Olu began.
“As we look towards the future, I want to reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society in which the interests of workers receive the attention it deserves.
“We will continue to invest in education, training, and skills development to equip our workforce with the tools they need to succeed in their places of work because we recognize the vital role that workers play in driving progress and prosperity in our society. We also pledge to build a future where every worker is respected, empowered and able to live with dignity and pride.”
He continued saying: “This year’s theme, ‘People First,’ resonates deeply with our administration’s philosophy, which is underpinned by our firm belief in prioritizing the welfare of our people.
“Through various measures, policies, and initiatives, we have demonstrated that the interest and welfare of the people come first and remain the ultimate goal of all our actions. Our response actions are geared towards mitigating the impact of these trying times and offering support to both our workers and citizens alike.
Responding to the Governor’s speech, the Chairperson of NLC, Lagos State Council, Comrade Agnes Sessi, praised Sanwo-Olu for making workers’ welfare a priority of his administration.
Sessi urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to implement the agreed minimum wage, expected to be announced by the Federal Government.
She said: “Let me use this unique occasion of May Day to commend and appreciate our Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for all his interventions to cushion the effect of the economic problems and ameliorate the suffering of the workers in the State.
“We all witnessed his policy on the last reduction in BRT transportation, the setting up of a discounted food mart, the three-day working policy, the payment of a 20 percent increment in salary, the full implementation of N35,000 Wage Award as approved by the Federal Government, and prompt payment of salary.”
Also representing the NLC, Comrade Gbenga Ekundayo commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his prompt action in implementing the Wage Award for all public servants in Lagos State, noting that the swift response has provided much-needed relief to mitigate the adverse combined effects of the recent subsidy removal and devaluation of the Naira.
Ekundayo said, “Lagos has been at the forefront of implementing welfare programmes that positively impact workers, and your (Governor Sanwo-Olu) dedication to this course is deeply appreciated. Your commitment to prioritising the welfare of your people is perfectly aligned with our core belief of placing citizens first.”
