Mr. Reno Omokri, former aide to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, has said that the Lagos State Government (LASG) deserves commendation and not condemnation ‘for paying’ ₦85,000 minimum wage.
Omokri disclosed that the initiative by the LASG should be applauded, considering that the state has a large workforce.
Recall that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced two weeks ago that his administration will pay ₦85,000 minimum wage to its workers.
However, the new minimum wage announced by Mr. Sanwo-Olu is ₦15,000 more than the ₦70,000 approved by the Federal Government (FG) in July.
Reacting to the development on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Omokri lauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for the increment of minimum wage in Lagos State – and urged the critics to compare Lagos to other states in Nigeria.
He wrote: “The Lagos State Government has a workforce of approximately 120,000 civil servants. That is by far more than the workforce of ANY state in Nigeria. The only competitor that Lagos State has in terms of the strength of their workforce is the Federal Government.
“States like Ekiti, Enugu, Anambra, and Zamfara have only 10-15% of Lagos’ staff strength. So, when Lagos pays the highest minimum wage in Nigeria, at ₦85,000, do not just look at the amount. Also look at their staff strength, which includes people from EVERY state in Nigeria.”
Omokri also advised those who disagree with his submission to relocate to their respective states.
“You cannot compare a state with 15,000 civil servants to a state with almost ten times that number.
“Lagos is to be commended, not condemned, for the initiative to pay its workers a living wage of ₦85,000. But, if you disagree, you are free to return to your state!”
