Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has increased the state’s minimum wage to ₦85,000, exceeding the federal government’s newly agreed national minimum wage of ₦70,000, SAVANNAH NEWSNOW REPORTS.
However, social activist Omoyele Sowore has criticized the move, pointing out the disparity between the wage and the high cost of living in Lagos, particularly with the launch of the Red Line train, which costs ₦1,500 per trip, ₦15,000 per week, and ₦60,000 monthly, potentially consuming a significant portion of workers’ salaries.
“Yesterday, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, launched a Redline train with fanfare. It costs ₦1,500 per trip, ₦15,000 per week, and ₦60,000 monthly,” Sowore wrote. “He also announced Lagos’s minimum wage at ₦85,000 per month. If workers take the Red Line to work, THEN!?”
Sowore’s critique focuses on how the elevated transportation costs could consume a large part of workers’ new wages, potentially leaving them with insufficient funds for other necessities.
Despite the launch of the Red Line train by Governor Sanwo-Olu, aimed at alleviating the state’s transportation issues, the fare of ₦1,500 per ride sparks concerns about its affordability for workers in Lagos who receive a monthly salary of ₦85,000.
As the city awaits more updates, the dynamic between wage increments and living costs remains a pivotal topic for both employees and policymakers.
