Rhodes-Vivour Says Sanwo Olu’s N85,000 Minimum Wage Unrealistic

By Akinwale Kasali

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, Labour Party’s Lagos State 2023  Governorship Candidate has stated that the N85,000 Minimum Wage announced by Governor Babajide  Sanwo-olu as against the Federal Government proposed N70,000  is commendable but unrealistic.

Rhodes-Vivour recommended the sum of N100,000 as minimum wage for workers in Lagos State, putting into cognizance the pathetic state of the nation’s economy.

In a statement Rhodes-Vivour, said: “While the recent increase in the minimum wage to N85,000 is commendable, it is 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”.

He challenged Governor Sanwo Olu, and advised him to invest more in the things that matter to Lagosians. He noted 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?”

He further 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.”