Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate in the last Lagos State election, criticized Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s recent announcement of a N85,000 increase as unrealistic.
On Friday, in a series of tweets, he praised the increase as a step in the right direction but criticized its failure to keep up with the rising cost of living.
He 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.”
In addition, Gbadebo called on the governor to increase investments in areas that are significant to Lagosians, as higher budgets have not led to enhanced living conditions for residents of Lagos.
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?”
“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.”
