Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for raising the state’s minimum wage to N85,000. However, Rhodes-Vivour argued that the wage is still insufficient to cover the high cost of living in Lagos, citing expenses like transportation and rent.
Minimum Wage Concerns
Rhodes-Vivour highlighted the challenges faced by Lagos workers, stating that a minimum wage of at least N100,000 is necessary for them to achieve parity with their counterparts in other states. He pointed to Lagos’ high cost of living, noting that it ranks as the second most expensive city in Nigeria to feed.
Criticism of State Budget Priorities
In his statement, Rhodes-Vivour criticised the governor’s focus on increasing Lagos’ budget to over N1 trillion, while key areas like infrastructure, human capital investment, and education lag behind. He noted that despite the large budget, Lagos continues to struggle with poor infrastructure and an inadequate public transportation system.
Workers Deserve More
Rhodes-Vivour emphasised that Lagosians, who contribute significantly to the state’s revenue through taxes, deserve better services in return. He questioned whether Lagos residents are receiving the tangible benefits they should expect from their substantial contributions, such as improved public education, well-maintained roads, and affordable housing.
Call for Responsible Governance
Rhodes-Vivour urged the government to prioritise the welfare of Lagosians by focusing on areas that directly impact their quality of life. He argued that boasting about budget increases without corresponding improvements in public services does not reflect responsible governance.
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