Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday approved an additional N50,000 support for workers for the month of May as part of efforts to cushion the prevailing economic hardship, particularly the impact of rising fuel prices across the country.
The governor made the announcement at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration themed “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” held on Friday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
He reiterated that the intervention underscores his administration’s resolve to ensure that Lagos remains not only a functional city but one that works for its residents, especially the workforce that drives its growth and development.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, emphasised that the welfare of workers remains central to his administration’s agenda, adding that the government will continue to deploy sustained support measures to ease economic pressures and improve living conditions.
“Our job has always been to make sure that the city we are building is also a city that works for you.
“We know that prices of fuel are rising. We know we did not cause the war in Iran, but we are feeling its impact. So, this government has made the decision that for this May, there will be an additional 50,000 for every worker in Lagos State, irrespective of race – N50,000 across the board,” he said.
He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing structural, policy, and moral challenges affecting the workforce, noting that the realities faced by workers require deliberate and measurable action rather than rhetoric.
According to him, the administration has spent the past eight years systematically tackling these challenges through targeted interventions aimed at improving welfare, dignity, and productivity. He cited issues such as long commuting hours, housing affordability, and delayed retirement benefits as structural and moral concerns being addressed through policy reforms.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that public servants are regarded not as a budget line or political bloc, but as the living infrastructure of Lagos State.
He also highlighted key reforms and investments across sectors, including the implementation of the highest minimum wage in the country, expansion of healthcare coverage through the Lagos State Health Management Authority, and the introduction of the Ilera Eko Easy Pay system to ease health insurance payments for residents.
In the transportation sector, he noted that the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line has transported over five million passengers, while the Red Line has been strengthened with 24 new train cars. He added that work is ongoing on the Green Line, with N102.3 billion allocated for rail expansion in the 2026 budget.
Dwelling on housing matters, the governor disclosed that nearly 11,000 housing units have been delivered, with a target of 14,022 affordable homes by 2026 under schemes such as the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme and Rent-To-Own programme, including dedicated allocations for teachers.
As it concerns pensions, he said the Lagos State Pension Commission has intensified timely payments, disbursing over N1 billion to retirees while introducing free first-year post-service healthcare and pre-retirement support initiatives.
He further reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to dignifying senior civil servants through the provision of official vehicles, describing it as part of deliberate efforts to improve efficiency and living standards.
In his remarks, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Olabode Agoro, described workers as critical partners in governance and economic development, stressing that the government will continue to implement strategic interventions to improve welfare and working conditions.
He said the celebration offered an opportunity to reflect on progress made and to reaffirm commitment to building a more efficient and people-centred public service, adding that the strong relationship between government and labour unions remains a key driver of industrial harmony in the state.
