The Nigeria Labour Congress Lagos State Council has called on the Lagos State Government to increase the minimum wage from N85,000 to N225,000, citing rising inflation and growing economic pressure on workers.
The demand was made by the council’s Chairperson, Funmi Sessi, during the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration held at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, reported by National News Agency (NAN) on May 1, 2026.
The union said the current wage has become inadequate due to the high cost of living, noting that inflation has significantly reduced workers’ purchasing power and made it difficult to meet basic needs such as food, housing, transportation, healthcare, and education.
The Nigeria Labour Congress Lagos State Council said the current wage structure can no longer protect workers from the pressure of inflation and rising living costs, arguing that salaries have lost significant value since the last adjustment.
Labour leaders said workers are now struggling to keep up with basic expenses such as food, transportation, housing, healthcare, and education, despite being employed full-time.
They also maintained that while the current wage increase was welcomed at the time of approval, the speed of inflation has quickly eroded its impact, making a fresh review necessary to maintain industrial harmony and worker welfare.
The NLC noted that inflation, currently around 15.38%, has driven up the cost of essential goods and services, and many workers are increasingly unable to cope with rising expenses, leaving them financially vulnerable.
The union also linked the situation to global economic developments affecting fuel prices and overall living costs.
The union raised concerns over rising insecurity, noting that it continues to threaten workers’ safety and productivity and urged both federal and state governments to strengthen security measures to protect lives and property.
Despite the marked concerns, the labour union commended the Lagos State Government for infrastructure projects, including rail lines, road networks, and other development initiatives aimed at improving mobility and economic activity.
The current N85,000 minimum wage in Lagos was approved in October 2024 following an agreement between the state government and organised labour.
Nairametrics reported that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the increase on October 16, 2024, citing rising living costs in the state.
The wage was implemented in November 2024 as part of efforts to cushion inflation pressures on workers. However, the Nigeria Labour Congress has since argued that the increase has been quickly eroded by continued inflation and rising costs of living, leading to renewed calls for a further review.
A recent Nairametrics report shows that minimum wage levels across Nigeria vary widely, reflecting differences in state finances and the rising cost of living. Lagos State currently pays N85,000, placing it among the higher-paying states compared to others that are still close to the national minimum wage benchmark.
The report also notes that inflation and rising living costs are driving fresh wage demands across the country, as labour unions continue to push for higher pay in response to declining purchasing power and growing economic pressure on workers.
