Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos on Friday announced a N50,000 wage award for all the state’s public sector employees for the month of May.

The governor announced the award during the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration, also known as May Day.

The event was held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos.

Mr Sanwo-Olu was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

He said that the gesture was intended to cushion the effect of rising cost of living and to acknowledge workers’ commitment to the state’s growth.

“For the month of May, the Lagos State Government has approved an additional N50,000 for all workers. We are aware of prevailing economic challenges, including increasing fuel prices and global pressure. This decision is to support our workforce during this period,” he said.

The governor commended Lagos State workers for their commitment, saying that their sacrifices remained the backbone of the state’s development.

“Why do workers rise before dawn daily, striving to build and sustain this state?
That sense of duty is the reason Lagos continues to stand strong,

“Lagos is not great because of its government. It is great because of its workers – teachers, healthcare personnel, artisans and civil servants – who keep the system functioning,” he said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the housing and transport challenges confronting workers, describing them as key concerns the government is addressing.

“When workers cannot afford to live close to their place of work, it creates a serious difficulty, and we are mindful of this.

“That is why we are investing in affordable housing, with thousands of units already completed and more planned before the end of 2026,” he said.

He said the state’s rent-to-own scheme required only a five per cent down payment, with repayment structured to ensure affordability.

On transport, he said the state had continued to expand its rail infrastructure to ease movement and improve productivity.

“Our rail system has already moved millions of passengers, and with additional coaches and ongoing expansion, we are improving,” he added.

Mr Sanwo-Olu highlighted ongoing pension reforms by the state government, saying that the government had maintained regular disbursements to retirees to ensure financial security after service.

“Through our pension arrangements, we have continued to ensure that no officer retires into uncertainty.

“Workers who have given their productive years to the state deserve dignity and stability in retirement.”

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to career advancement within the civil service, citing recent promotions and director confirmations across ministries.

“These are not mere symbolic actions. They demonstrate our commitment to recognising competence, experience and service.”

He stressed the importance of dialogue with the organised labour, assuring that the state government would continue to engage constructively with workers’ unions.

“Our engagement with labour may not always be smooth, but it is necessary. The negotiating table remains open, and we will continue to work together in the interest of all,” he said.

He assured  Lagos workers of the government’s sustained investment in security, noting that safety remained essential for productivity and well-being.

 Earlier, the state Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, said that a motivated workforce was crucial to sustainable development and effective service delivery.

“Workers remain central to innovation and progress across all sectors, and government will continue to prioritise their welfare and capacity development,” Mr Agoro said.

He said that addressing insecurity and poverty required collective effort, describing the challenges as major barriers to national development.

The high point of the event was recognition of outstanding workers across various sectors. 

(NAN)