The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Chapter, has called for a new minimum wage of ₦150,000 for workers in the state, citing the skyrocketing cost of living and recent wage increases in Imo and Ebonyi States as clear precedents.
Lagos NLC Chairperson, Comrade Funmi Sesi, made the demand on Thursday, stressing that the current minimum wage of ₦85,000 no longer reflects the harsh economic realities faced by workers in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
“With the rising costs of housing, transportation, food, and utilities, Lagos workers can no longer survive on the existing wage structure. The time has come for a bold upward review. Imo and Ebonyi have set the pace — Lagos must not be left behind,” Sesi declared.
She further noted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu now has the opportunity to set a landmark precedent, ensuring Lagos workers receive fair compensation that matches the state’s unique economic pressures.
“No one can fault the governor for implementing a higher wage in Lagos. We deserve nothing less than decent pay and dignified working conditions that reflect today’s realities,” she emphasized.
The NLC also expressed confidence that more state governments would soon follow suit. Recently, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State approved an increase in the minimum wage from ₦76,000 to ₦104,000, while the Ebonyi State Government raised its minimum wage from ₦70,000 to ₦90,000, according to Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebe.
