The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Lagos State Chapter, has lauded the state government for labour friendliness.
The Secretary of the chapter, Mr Aladetan Abiodun, said on Wednesday that enhancements in Lagos State workers’ welfare under the administration of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu were unparalleled in the state’s history.
Abiodun spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
Abiodun said that the optimism of Lagos State workers regarding implementation of any approved minimum wage was predicated on the state’s record of proactive implementation.
“Lagos has consistently been a vanguard in policy enactment. Some attribute this to Lagos State’s substantial internally-generated revenue, but it is not the sole determinant.
“Numerous oil-producing states, in spite of receiving substantial federal allocations, are reticent in implementing worker-beneficial policies.
“It is prioritisation of workers’ welfare that is paramount, and Sanwo-Olu exemplifies this ethos,” he said.
Abiodun noted that in 2019, during pivotal negotiations for N30,000 minimum wage, Sanwo-Olu pledged to surpass the federal benchmark.
The union leader said that the governor, in demonstrating his commitment, approved a minimum wage of N35,000.
“Also, in 2022, Sanwo-Olu unilaterally decreed a 20 per cent salary increase for workers – a groundbreaking initiative in the history of Nigeria, where worker benefits are typically hard-won.
“His proactive stance is worthy of considerable commendation.
“In spite of numerous upward revisions, some workers’ emoluments lagged behind those of their counterparts.
“Upon apprising the governor of these discrepancies, he mandated immediate rectifications, resulting in salary augmentations ranging from N40,000 to N50,000 for affected employees.
“This expeditious and decisive action is highly laudable,” the union leader said.
The secretary, who expressed confidence in the state government, hoped that it would, once again, set precedence by promptly implementing the new minimum wage when finally approved. (NAN)
