By Ibrahim Adesokan
The conversation on the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers has become a topical national issue since Wednesday, May 1, 2024. The commemoration of this year’s International Workers’ Day again brought to the frontburner the lingering wage issue and attendant problems. The various labour unions, particularly, the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC and their affiliates have been hellbent at forcing the federal government to open negotiation on the 615,000 minimum wage proposal they put forward for the government, despite the announcement of certain increments in salaries for public servants.
In the midst of the confusion, the government of Mr, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State towered high in terms of workers’ welfare and providing an enabling environment for state workers to thrive. At the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan, the venue of the May Day commemoration ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated his readiness to implement and pay the new minimum wage that will be decided by the Federal Government.
Governor Sanwo-Olu who was applauded by the union leaders in the state for his pro-workers policies and various interventions he had put in place to cushion the impact of the economic hardship on the workers, said: “This year’s theme, ‘People First,’ resonates deeply with our administration’s philosophy, which is underpinned by our firm belief in prioritising the welfare of our people.
“Through various measures, policies, and initiatives, we have demonstrated that the interest and welfare of the people come first and remain the ultimate goal of all our actions. Our response actions are geared towards mitigating the impact of these trying times and offering support to both our workers and citizens alike.
“We have been steadfast and intentional in implementing our social intervention programmes, providing crucial assistance to those in need throughout the state. From subsidised food items through our Ounje Eko, and Eko Cares initiatives to incentives on social services, we have made tangible differences in countless lives.
“Healthcare initiatives that ensure access to quality medical services for all, transportation support, and educational opportunities for our children exemplify our commitment to creating a Lagos where everyone has a fair chance to thrive. Our dedication to putting people first extends beyond mere words.”
Speaking further on his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, Governor Sanwo-Olu added that : “As we look towards the future, I want to reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society in which the interests of workers receive the attention it deserves.
“We will continue to invest in education, training, and skills development to equip our workforce with the tools they need to succeed in their places of work because we recognize the vital role that workers play in driving progress and prosperity in our society. And we pledge to build a future where every worker is respected, empowered and able to live with dignity and pride.”
The Chairperson of NLC, Lagos State Council, Comrade Agnes Funmi Sessi and her TUC counterpart, Comrade Gbenga Ekundayo, praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for making workers’ welfare a priority of his administration, attesting that under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Government has implemented a plethora of social intervention programmes that are targeted at enhancing the well-being of the populace.
In her words, Sessi said: “Let me use this unique occasion of May Day to commend and appreciate our Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for all his interventions to cushion the effect of the economic problems and ameliorate the suffering of the workers in the State.
“We all witnessed his policy on the last reduction in BRT transportation, the setting up of a discounted food mart, the three-day working policy, the payment of a 20 percent increment in salary, the full implementation of N35,000 Wage Award as approved by the Federal Government, and prompt payment of salary.”
Ekundayo commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his prompt action in implementing the Wage Award for all public servants in Lagos State, noting that the swift response has provided much-needed relief to mitigate the adverse combined effects of the recent subsidy removal and devaluation of the Naira.
“Lagos has been at the forefront of implementing welfare programmes that positively impact workers, and your (Governor Sanwo-Olu) dedication to this course is deeply appreciated. Your commitment to prioritising the welfare of your people is perfectly aligned with our core belief of placing citizens first,” he said.
Lagos has set the pace and standard in industrial harmony. Governor Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated repeatedly that he is indeed committed to the welfare of the Lagos workforce. The pronouncements at the May Day event at Onikan were not just political statements, they are facts and solid promises premised on the track record of honesty and transparency which are the anchors of the relationship of the Governor Sanwo-Olu and the respective labour union affiliates in Lagos State.
In assessing the general welfare of the workers, it cannot be done in isolation. The infrastructure and massive social support programmes provided by the state government also contribute to ameliorating the plights of the workers. The subsidy on public transportation, including public buses, rail and ferries go a long way in reducing the burden of cost of mobility to work and other destinations. The transportation cost that should have utterly depleted the take-home of workers have been cushioned through the intervention.
Ditto for cost of healthcare, public hospitals in Lagos State which are adjudged efficient by many Lagosians also provides succor to the vulnerable members, including workers, through Governor Sanwo-Olu’s intervention to reduce the cost of medicare and certain categories of drugs in response to the record economic hardship that many Lagosians are facing.
In the education sector as well, many workers whose children are in Lagos State-owned public tertiary institutions are also benefiting from special bursary and scholarship schemes of the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration.
So, the accolades and commendations showered on Governor Sanwo-Olu by the workers are true reflections of his contributions to the general well-being of Lagosians, workers inclusive.
•Adesokan writes from Mushin, Lagos State
