The Lagos State government has debunked a widely publicized allegation that claimed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had increased the state’s minimum salary to N70,000.
The governor was incorrectly cited, according to the explanation provided by Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, the Commissioner in charge of the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy in a statement on Thursday.
“Contrary to the impression in some media reports, which emanated from the unveiling of Eko Cares – the umbrella for the various interventions to protect the poor against the effects of the prevailing economic hardship,” he stated, “the Lagos State Government has not increased the minimum wage.”
It has been incorrectly reported that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared the announcement of a new minimum wage of N70,000. “This is wrong. Mr. Governor never said so”. He said since January, civil servants had been earning the N35,000 wage award directed by the Federal Government.
“In other words, those earning N35,000 now earn N70,000. He did not announce a new minimum wage of N70,000.
Mr. Omotoso quoted the governor to have said, “I know that by the grace of God very very soon we’ll see a new minimum wage that will be approved for the Federal Government and the state government. All public officers, including civil servants, are aware that since January, we have been paying them a wage allowance of at least N35,000, which is on top of their previous pay”.
The commissioner further stated, “People who were earning a minimum of N35,000 to N40,000 before, they are now earning over N70,000,” citing the governor of Lagos State. Therefore, it’s critical that people understand this and that we make it extremely obvious. This administration has not abandoned its people; rather, it has doubled down.
