By Ayomide Otitoju
Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved a ₦50,000 salary support for all Lagos State workers for the month of May 2026, as part of measures to cushion the impact of economic hardship and rising fuel costs.
The governor announced the intervention at the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and industrial harmony.
Represented by his deputy, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu said the payment, which will be subject to review, reflects the government’s resolve to ensure that Lagos remains a functional and inclusive city for its workforce.
He noted that the decision was taken in response to prevailing economic pressures, including the rising cost of fuel, stressing that the support would be applied across all salary grades.
The governor emphasised that workers remain central to his administration’s development agenda, adding that sustained efforts are being made to improve living conditions and ease financial burdens through targeted policies and interventions.
Sanwo-Olu also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at addressing structural challenges affecting workers, including transportation, housing affordability, and delays in retirement benefits, noting that these issues are being tackled through deliberate policy actions.
He further outlined key initiatives implemented by the government, such as the adoption of a competitive minimum wage, expansion of healthcare coverage through the Lagos State Health Management Authority, and the introduction of the Ilera Eko Easy Pay system to improve access to health insurance.
On pensions, he said the Lagos State Pension Commission has intensified timely disbursements, with over ₦1 billion paid to retirees, alongside the introduction of post-service healthcare and pre-retirement support programmes.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and efficiency of senior civil servants, including the provision of official vehicles as part of broader public service reforms.
He commended the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria for maintaining constructive engagement with the state government, noting that continuous dialogue remains key to sustaining industrial harmony.
In his remarks, Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, described workers as critical partners in governance and economic development, stressing the government’s commitment to improving working conditions and service delivery.
Similarly, Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, commended the administration’s consistent investment in workers’ welfare, noting improvements in salary payments, pension administration, and labour relations.
Labour leaders, including Lagos NLC Chairperson Agnes Funmi Sessi and TUC representative Aladetan Abiodun, acknowledged the government’s efforts but called for a review of the current minimum wage, citing rising inflation and increased cost of living.
They urged the state government to consider an upward adjustment from ₦85,000 to ₦250,000, noting that Lagos remains Nigeria’s economic hub with high costs of transportation, housing, and basic needs.
The Workers’ Day celebration, themed “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” provided a platform for stakeholders to assess progress and reinforce commitments to policies that promote decent work, social justice, and sustainable labour relations in the state.
