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| Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu |
The Lagos State Government has approved and disbursed N3.67 billion in salary arrears to 6,293 academic and non-academic staff across state-owned tertiary institutions, reinforcing its commitment to workers’ welfare and industrial harmony.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, during the 2026 ministerial press briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja, to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.
Nine-Month Salary Arrears Cleared
According to Ayantayo, the payment covers nine months of arrears resulting from the approved 25 percent and 35 percent salary increments for workers in Lagos State-owned tertiary institutions.
He explained that the intervention forms part of the state government’s broader agenda to improve workers’ welfare, sustain industrial peace, and reposition the Lagos public service for greater productivity and efficiency.
The commissioner noted that the administration has continued to invest significantly in staff welfare, promotions, training programmes, and institutional reforms aimed at building a globally competitive public service system.
Pension Increase and Fuel Palliative for Workers
In addition to the salary arrears, Ayantayo revealed that the Lagos State Government implemented a N32,000 monthly pension increase for retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme, in line with the National Minimum Wage Amendment Act 2024.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also approved a N50,000 fuel palliative for public servants to help cushion the impact of rising transportation costs and economic hardship.
Describing the intervention as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to workers’ wellbeing, Ayantayo stated that the government remains focused on policies that directly improve the living conditions of public servants.
Health Sector Workers Also Benefit
The commissioner disclosed that the government paid N456.5 million through the Medical Residency Training Fund to support 470 resident doctors across the state.
Additionally, salary differentials worth N378.8 million were approved for medical and dental practitioners.
Ayantayo said Lagos also successfully implemented the Lagos Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (LAGMESS), a move credited with improving remuneration for healthcare professionals and preventing industrial action within the health sector.
He further revealed that lingering contributory pension issues involving the Association of Resident Doctors were resolved in April 2026 through sustained dialogue and engagement.
Over 7,000 Public Servants Trained
As part of ongoing human capital development efforts, the Ministry of Establishments and Training organised 54 training programmes between May 2025 and May 2026.
The programmes reportedly benefited more than 7,116 public servants across different cadres within the Lagos State Public Service.
Lagos Pays N8.04 Billion to Retirees
Speaking separately, the Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, disclosed that the government also paid a total of N8.04 billion to retirees under both the Contributory Pension Scheme and Defined Benefit Scheme.
Agoro described the payments as part of the administration’s continued efforts to strengthen pension administration, improve service delivery, and support the welfare of both serving and retired public servants.
He commended workers across the state for their dedication, professionalism, and resilience in ensuring effective governance.
Recruitment and Public Service Reforms
Highlighting achievements recorded during the review period, Agoro disclosed that 4,837 newly recruited officers across various cadres were uploaded into the Soft Suite database and deployed to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
He added that 38 political appointees were also integrated into the system, while 185 newly recruited and converted Administrative and Human Resource officers underwent familiarisation tours to deepen their understanding of public service operations.
The Head of Service also revealed that Governor Sanwo-Olu approved the appointment of 25 substantive directors on Grade Level 17 as Permanent Secretaries and Tutors-General within the Lagos State Public Service.
Strengthening Public Service Delivery
The latest interventions by the Lagos State Government highlight a sustained effort to strengthen workers’ welfare, improve pension administration, and promote industrial stability across the public sector.
Observers believe the combination of salary adjustments, pension support, healthcare sector interventions, and workforce development programmes could further enhance morale and efficiency within the state’s public service system.
