Mirian Gom 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress has called for a sharp increase in the state’s minimum wage from ₦85,000 to ₦225,000, warning that surging inflation and living costs have rendered current earnings inadequate.
Speaking at the 2026 Workers’ Day event on Friday, the state NLC Chairperson, Funmi Sessi, said the existing wage structure can no longer sustain workers in Africa’s most expensive city.
“Given the current economic hardship and the high cost of living in Lagos, this amount is no longer sufficient,” she said.
Sessi acknowledged the efforts of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in approving the current wage but stressed that urgent review is necessary to preserve industrial harmony.
She also raised concerns over insecurity and poverty, describing them as growing threats to workers’ welfare and productivity. According to her, many workers now face risks including kidnapping and displacement, alongside rising prices of food and essential goods.
“The inflation rate has worsened the suffering of our people,” she added.
Sessi urged both state and federal authorities to strengthen security and implement policies that protect workers’ livelihoods.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and other labour stakeholders, reflecting heightened pressure on the government to respond to worsening economic realities.
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