Gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party in the last election in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has applauded the Lagos state government for increasing minimum wage to N85,000, but added that the government can do better.
Recall that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had some days ago announced the new minimum wage.
In a series of tweets on Friday, although he commended the increase as a move in the right direction, he, however, said it does not match the recent rise in the cost of living.
He said: “While the recent increase in the minimum wage to N85,000 is commendable, it significantly short of addressing the unique cost-of-living challenges faced by Lagos workers.
“Lagos has the highest intra-city public transportation costs in Nigeria, the second most expensive city in the country to feed and has the highest rental costs in the country, with meagre investments in social housing programs.”
Gbadebo also challenged the governor to invest more in the things that matter to Lagosians, noting that higher budgets has not translated to improved living conditions for Lagos 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.”
