Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour Criticizes Lagos State Minimum Wage Increase Amid High Living Costs

By DAYO ADESULU

Labour Party Candidate Calls for Higher Minimum Wage and Better Governance

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Lagos State, has expressed his commendation for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s announcement of an increased minimum wage to N85,000. However, he highlighted that this amount is insufficient to address the soaring cost of living in the state.

Concerns Over Affordability

In a tweet posted on Thursday, Rhodes-Vivour acknowledged the governor’s efforts but emphasized the need for a minimum wage of at least N100,000. He argued that this adjustment is necessary for Lagos workers to achieve parity with their counterparts in other states, given the high expenses related to transportation, rent, and food. Lagos ranks second nationally in the average cost of a healthy diet, making it one of the most expensive cities in Nigeria.

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Statements

During an interview on Channels TV, Governor Sanwo-Olu discussed the new minimum wage, stating, “It’s not a competition… it’s a function of affordability and capacity.” He mentioned that the state had already increased salaries earlier in the year and expressed hopes of raising the minimum wage to N100,000 in January, emphasizing the need for a living wage for residents.

Rhodes-Vivour’s Critique of Governance

Rhodes-Vivour did not hold back in his criticism of the governor’s administration, particularly regarding the budget increase from N600 billion to over N1 trillion. He argued that these financial figures are inconsequential when contrasted with the state’s ongoing challenges, such as poor infrastructure, inadequate investment in human capital, and inefficient public services.

In his tweet, he stated, “Governor Sanwo-Olu boasts of increasing the Lagos budget… However, these claims seem to be at odds with the reality of Lagos. The city still grapples with poor infrastructure, low investment in human capital and education outcomes, a struggling public transportation network, increasing slums and informal communities, and very few social welfare programs.”

The Impact of Taxes on Lagos Residents

Rhodes-Vivour pointed out that over 70% of Lagos State’s operating revenue comes from taxes, particularly from the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system. He questioned what tangible benefits citizens receive in return for their contributions, asking if they have access to quality public education, efficient public transportation, and well-maintained roads.

A Call for Visionary Leadership

In his concluding remarks, Rhodes-Vivour criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for wasting 24 years with minimal progress in Lagos development. He expressed a desire for a city that prioritizes opportunities and infrastructure, stating, “Comparing Lagos with Bauchi or Ekiti is juvenile and visionless when the city lags far behind its contemporaries around Africa.”

Conclusion

Rhodes-Vivour’s comments reflect a broader concern for the living conditions of Lagos residents and a call for more meaningful governance that goes beyond budgetary figures. As the conversation around minimum wage and public welfare continues, the focus remains on ensuring that the people of Lagos receive adequate support and services to improve their quality of life.