The Lagos State Government has stated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu‘s projected increase in workers’ pay is not a political ploy to win the upcoming general elections in 2023.
Recall that on Tuesday, Sanwo-Olu authorised a 25% pay raise for state employees, an announcement that was met with joy.
Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, the state’s commissioner for information and strategy, told journalists on Friday in Ikeja that workers earned the raise as part of efforts to recognise their labour in the face of severe economic inflation.
He said, “The governor is saying that we appreciate the services you are providing and although things are so hard, you are still carrying on and you are putting smiles on the faces of Lagosians who are coming to government offices.
Also Read: Months To 2023 Election, Sanwo-Olu Announces Pay Raise For Lagos Civil Servants
“No matter how low or high the percentage may be, I think the symbolism is that at this particular time, Mr Governor feels that workers deserve a raise and he has pronounced it. If you listen to him very well, he said he had instructed the Office of Head of Service, Establishment, State Treasury Office to come together to look at these and see what the numbers are and see how we can go, but that workers will now have a pay rise is a foregone conclusion.
“I think the whole world is hailing him for doing that but if people are now saying it is for political reasons, let other people in positions of authority also do so for political reasons and raise salaries.”
The commissioner explained that other infrastructural projects will be inaugurated by the state government before the end of the year.
“We have over 30 schools for us to be inaugurated. We also have housing projects to be inaugurated before the end of the year, and jetties are also included. We are building the infrastructure for the Blue line Rail system that will take passengers from Marina to Mile 2,” he added.
