The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the state government to raise the minimum wage for workers to N150,000, citing the high cost of living in the state and the recent wage increases in Imo and Ebonyi states.
Speaking on Thursday, Chairperson of the Lagos NLC, Comrade Funmi Sesi, said that workers in Lagos currently earn N85,000 as minimum wage, which she described as inadequate to meet basic needs such as rent, transportation, feeding, healthcare, and other essential services.
She argued that the rising inflation, coupled with Lagos’ unique economic pressures, makes a higher wage not just desirable but absolutely necessary.
“The time has come for an upward review of the minimum wage in Lagos,” Sesi said. “At least someone has taken the bull by the horns and opened the space. No one can blame Governor Sanwo-Olu now if he decides to implement a higher wage for Lagos workers.”
According to her, the wage increase in other states is a welcome development that has put pressure on other governors to follow suit.
Sesi was referring to recent moves by two state governments to increase their workers’ pay. The Imo State Government, under Governor Hope Uzodimma, raised the minimum wage from N76,000 to N104,000, while the Ebonyi State Government increased its own from N70,000 to N90,000.
Both increases, announced in August 2025, were widely welcomed by labour unions across the country and have sparked discussions in other states regarding wage reviews.
The NLC boss said she expects more states to join in reviewing their workers’ pay as the economic situation continues to bite harder. “This is a wake-up call for all state governors. Workers across the country are under immense pressure. A bag of rice now costs more than a worker’s monthly salary in some states,” she said.
Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial capital, has long been regarded as the most expensive state to live in. From rent to transportation and basic food items, prices are significantly higher than in most other parts of the country.
Comrade Sesi noted that while Lagos is among the wealthiest states in Nigeria in terms of revenue, its workers continue to struggle under the weight of high living expenses.
“The cost of living in Lagos is not the same as in other states. Transport fare, food prices, house rent—even water and electricity bills—are higher here. If Imo and Ebonyi, with smaller budgets, can increase their wages, then Lagos can and should do more,” she said.
She stressed that workers deserve decent working conditions and wages that reflect the economic realities in their environment.
Sesi appealed directly to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to seize the moment and implement a wage that reflects the state’s financial capacity and the cost of living faced by its workers.
She said the move would not only ease the hardship faced by civil servants but also show that the state government cares about its workforce.
“The Governor has a chance to write his name in gold. No one will criticise him now for doing what is right. The time to act is now,” she added.
The Lagos NLC’s demand is part of a wider national conversation as workers and union leaders continue to push for a comprehensive review of the national minimum wage. The current federal minimum wage of N30,000, set in 2019, is seen as outdated and inadequate in the face of galloping inflation and currency devaluation.
Labour unions have been pressing the federal government for a new national minimum wage that reflects the current economic hardship. With state governments like Imo and Ebonyi taking the lead, many believe it is only a matter of time before others follow.
As Nigeria continues to battle rising inflation, food insecurity, and a weakening naira, workers across the country are demanding better pay to survive. For Lagos workers, where daily survival requires more than in many other parts of the country, the demand for a N150,000 minimum wage is seen by many as both timely and reasonable.
All eyes are now on Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government to respond. Will Lagos set a new standard or wait and watch?
