The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the state government to take into account the unique living conditions of Lagos when implementing the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage. According to Mrs. Funmi Sessi, the state chairman of the NLC, this amount is inadequate to support workers in Lagos.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday, Mrs. Sessi highlighted the significant challenges faced by workers in Lagos, emphasizing that the cost of living in the state is notably higher than in other regions. “The N70,000 minimum wage approved by President Bola Tinubu is insufficient for workers in Lagos State,” she stated.
Mrs. Sessi further stressed the need for additional negotiations with the government to address specific issues that heavily impact the financial stability of Lagos workers. “We need to negotiate further on matters such as rent, transportation, and feeding. The government needs to critically assess our wage and incorporate the ‘Lagos factor’,” she said.
The NLC’s position underscores the broader concerns of workers in Lagos, who face higher expenses in almost every aspect of daily life compared to their counterparts in other parts of the country. The high cost of housing, daily commuting expenses, and food prices are some of the primary factors contributing to the financial strain on workers in the state.
As the state government prepares to implement the new minimum wage, the NLC’s call for a more tailored approach highlights the importance of considering regional disparities in the cost of living. The ongoing dialogue between the NLC and the government aims to ensure that the new wage policy adequately reflects the economic realities faced by workers in Lagos.
