Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced that the state will implement a minimum wage of N85,000 for its workers, surpassing the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government in July.
President Bola Tinubu signed the N70,000 minimum wage bill into law after extensive discussions among government officials, labor unions, and the private sector.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the increase to N85,000 is not a competitive move but a reflection of the state’s capacity to afford it.
“I’m pleased to announce that the minimum wage for Lagos, after discussions with our unions, is now N85,000,” he stated. “It’s not about competing with others; it’s about what we can afford. We recognize that living in Lagos comes with higher costs.”
The governor also mentioned that salaries had been raised earlier in the year, expressing his goal to raise the minimum wage to N100,000 by January 2025. “I hope to return in January to announce an increase to N100,000, not to outshine anyone, but to ensure our people receive a living wage and know that their government is working for them,” he said.
Additionally, Sanwo-Olu shared his vision for Lagos, aiming to create a city that works for everyone, regardless of their background. While acknowledging the city’s notorious traffic congestion, he envisions a Lagos with predictable travel times.
“My dream is for a Lagos where journey times are reliable. You should be able to leave your home or office and expect to reach your destination in about 30 to 35 minutes, plus or minus,” he explained.
The governor reiterated his commitment to fostering an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, ensuring that the government supports growth and development in the state.