The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) clarified that the N35,000 wage award in the state should not be mistaken as a substitute for or part of the recently enacted N70,000 minimum wage.
NLC Lagos State Chairman Funmi Sessi made this clarification in Lagos on Friday.
The congress raised concerns over a statement from a certain commission claiming that the state was already paying more than the prescribed N70,000 minimum wage to its employees.
The NLC called for a new wage structure that starts with the approved N70,000 minimum wage and reflects different cadres and salary grades for all categories of public sector workers, including allowances.
The congress also urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to establish a wage committee to ensure the immediate implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage across all categories of public servants in the state.
“The NLC commends Governor Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to workers’ welfare, as shown by Lagos State being the first to implement the N35,000 wage award palliative for public servants nationwide.
However, referring to the N35,000 palliative wage award as part of earned income is inaccurate, as this award does not affect allowances,” the congress stated.
The NLC also called on private-sector employers to comply with the law regarding the new minimum wage, emphasizing that workers’ welfare, as the backbone of any business, should be a priority.
The congress further urged government agencies responsible for ensuring compliance to act proactively and fearlessly enforce the law.
 clarified that the N35,000 wage award in the state should not be mistaken as a substitute for or part of the recently enacted N70,000 minimum wage.){kind=link}