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Enioluwa Adeniyi
Guest
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has called for a minimum wage of ₦100,000 for workers in Lagos, labelling the recent increase to ₦85,000 announced by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as unrealistic.
In a statement released on Thursday, Rhodes-Vivour commended the governor for the wage increase but emphasized that it falls significantly short of addressing the unique cost-of-living challenges faced by Lagos workers.
He pointed out that Lagos has the highest intra-city public transportation costs in Nigeria, is the second most expensive city in terms of feeding, and has the highest rental costs in the country.
Rhodes-Vivour stated, “The recent increase in the minimum wage to N85,000 is commendable, but it is simply not enough.
“With meager investments in social housing programs and the soaring costs of living, workers in Lagos are struggling to make ends meet.”
Rhodes-Vivour further challenged Governor Sanwo-Olu to focus on investments that truly matter to Lagosians, stressing that despite higher budgets, there has been no corresponding improvement in the living conditions of residents.
He said, “It’s crucial to note that over 70% of Lagos State’s operating revenue comes from taxes, with PAYE (Pay As You Earn) contributing 45%.
“This means the state’s wealth, which the governor seems to take all the credit for, is primarily generated by citizens’ hard work.
“What tangible benefits do Lagosians receive in return for this significant contribution? Do their children have access to quality public education?
“Is there an efficient and affordable public transportation system? Are the roads well-maintained? Is social housing readily available? Can residents easily access capital for entrepreneurship?”
The former Lagos State Labour Party governorship candidate concluded that “while it is fair to commend opening the blue rail, albeit after 16 years, the question is, what kind of city are we building?
“Who are we building for, and what opportunities do we seek to tap into?
“Comparing Lagos with Bauchi or Ekiti is juvenile and visionless, when the city lags far behind its contemporaries around Africa.”
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