By Desire Emmanuel
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Friday, May 1, announced a N50,000 wage award for all the state’s public sector employees for the month of May.
The governor announced the award during the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration also known as May Day celebration.
The event was held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.
Sanwo-Olu was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.
He said that the gesture was intended to cushion the effect of rising cost of living and to acknowledge workers’ commitment to the state’s growth.
“For the month of May, Lagos State government has approved an additional N50,000 for all workers.
“We are aware of prevailing economic challenges, including increasing fuel prices and global pressure. This decision is to support our workforce during this period,” he said.
The governor commended Lagos State workers for commitment, saying that their sacrifices remained the backbone of the state’s development.
Meanwhile, The state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has appealed to the government to review minimum wage for its workers from the current N85,000 to N225,000.
Chairperson of the council, Funmi Sessi, made the appeal on Friday, during the Workers’ Day celebration
Sessi said that the upward review became compelling due to rising inflation and the resultant high cost of living.
“Given the current economic hardship and the high cost of living in Lagos, this amount is no longer sufficient.
“We, therefore, respectfully appeal to the state government to review the minimum wage to N225,000 in the interest of workers and industrial harmony,” the chairperson said.
Sessi also expressed concern over rising insecurity across the country, saying that it had continued to threaten lives, livelihoods and productivity.
According to her, workers in many parts of the country face risks such as kidnapping and displacement, making workplaces increasingly unsafe.
She urged the federal and Lagos State governments to strengthen security architecture toward ensuring adequate protection of lives and property.
