The Nigeria Labour Congress Lagos State Council has urged the Lagos State Government to raise the minimum wage from N85,000 to N225,000, citing mounting economic pressure on workers and the rising cost of living in the state.
The demand was created by the council’s chairperson, Funmi Sessi, during the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration held at Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Labour leaders declared inflation has significantly weakened the value of wages, leaving many workers unable to meet essential necessarys such as food, hoapplying, transportation, healthcare, and education.
According to the union, the current wage structure no longer shields workers from the realities of rising living costs. They argued that although the last wage increase was welcomed, its impact has been quickly eroded by inflation, building a fresh review necessary to sustain worker welfare and maintain industrial harmony.
“Given the current economic hardship and the high cost of living in Lagos, this amount is no longer sufficient,” the union stated, adding that a revised wage of N225,000 would better reflect present economic conditions.
The labour body also pointed to inflation, estimated at about 15.38 per cent, as a key driver of financial strain, noting that many workers are becoming increasingly vulnerable despite being employed full-time. It linked the situation to broader global economic pressures influencing fuel prices and overall living expenses.
Beyond wages, the union raised concerns about insecurity, warning that it continues to affect productivity and worker safety. It called on both federal and state authorities to strengthen measures to protect lives and property.
Despite these concerns, the union acknowledged ongoing infrastructure investments by the state government, including rail development and road expansion projects aimed at improving mobility and economic activity.
The current N85,000 minimum wage in Lagos was approved in October 2024 under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and implemented in November of the same year as part of efforts to ease inflationary pressure. However, labour leaders maintain that persistent price increases have diminished its effectiveness.
For compact businesses, the proposed wage increase presents a mixed outsee. While higher wages could boost consumer spfinishing and demand, it may also raise operating costs for MSMEs already grappling with inflation, energy expenses, and supply chain challenges. The outcome of the nereceivediations could therefore shape both worker welfare and business sustainability across Lagos.
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