Nigerians are reacting differently to the news of Governor Bababjide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State announcing an upward review of salaries for the over 100,000 public workers in the state.
Sanwo-Olu, who did not disclose the actual increment, had earlier said the increase will be above the Federal Government’s minimum wage standard. “As Lagos is a pacesetter and first in setting the standard.”
The governor also promised to pay all the outstanding backlog of pensions to workers by the end of October.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed these on Tuesday, while addressing a large crowd of workers who converged on the Head of Service, HOS’ office.
This was during his working visit to the secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
On the salary review, the governor said: “We know there is inflation and high cost of living in the country, but we are determined to cushion the effects on our workers and residents.
“Last month (September), I instructed the Head of Service, HoS, the Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions to work out modalities. To ensure salary increase for the entire over 100,000 of public service workforce.
“We are capable of doing this. Lagos leads while others follow in Nigeria. In salary increment, we are leading again.
“We are going to reflect the popular Buga slogan in the payment of salaries. We are not going to wait for the Federal Government’s Minimum Wage increase.
“Lagos State government has commenced the process, I can assure that by early next year it wlil be ready for implementation.
“The government don’t want to wait for workers’ unions to hold us to ransome before we do the needful.”
On the backlog of pensions, Sanwo-Olu stated, “I want to reassure you that all the few outstanding backlogs of pensions will be sorted out this week. And payment by the end of October.
“The State is the highest and best paying pensions in Nigeria.
“We are clearing the entire backlog of pensions, it’s a liability we met on ground.”
Recall that FG had earlier said there were plans to increase the N30,000 minimum wage in the light of inflation raving the world.
How Nigerians are reacting
Reacting to the salary increase news, gospel Musician, Nosa wrote, ” The timing… perfect.”
Social Media Influencer, Mayorspeaks wrote: “Why wait till now? Election is around the corner, civil servants in Nigeria are also a problem. They are easily sweet talk to, small circular will be released soon, it will take another 4years before they implement it..”
