By FLORENCE ONUEGBU

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Chapter, is demanding N150,000 minimum wage for Lagos State workers, following increase in minimum wage by Imo and Ebonyi Governments.

The Chairperson of NLC, Lagos State Chapter, Mrs. Funmi Sesi, made the call on Thursday while reacting to the minimum wage increase by Imo and Ebonyi governments.

Sesi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that there was the need for Lagos State to increase minimum wage for its workers from the current N85,000 to N150,000 in line with economic realities.

She said that accommodation, transport, feeding and utilities were more expensive in Lagos than in other states.

The chairperson said that the minimum wage increase for Imo and Ebonyi workers was a welcome development for the labour force in Nigeria.

According to her, NLC is hopeful that all other states’ governments will emulate Imo and Ebonyi governments in the decision.

“The time has come for an upward review of minimum wage in Lagos. At least someone has taken the bull by the horn and opened the space.

“No one can blame Gov. Sanwo-Olu now if he implements a higher wage for Lagos workers, because we deserve a better wage and decent work conditions that will be commensurate with the economic realities in the country, especially in Lagos.

“We can’t wait for an engagement with the government with a view to approving an improved welfare package for Lagos workers,” she said.

NAN reports that Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo approved a new minimum wage of N104,000 for the state civil servants.

Uzodimma made this known during a meeting with labour union leaders in the state on Tuesday night at the Government House, Owerri.

He increased the minimum wage from N76,000 to N104,000.

Also, the Ebonyi Government announced an increase in the minimum wage of its civil servants from N70,000 to N90,000.

The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebe, made the disclosure on Thursday, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the state’s Executive Council meeting. (NAN)