By Emmanuel Nduka
With just a little over 120 days to the 2023 general elections, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced that the state government will increase the salaries of civil servants in public offices.
Sanwo-Olu made the announcement on Tuesday during his courtesy visit to the Head, Office of Public Service in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
While the governor said the decision of his administration to increase the salaries of civil servants is tied to the rising inflation in the country, it also comes at the eve of an electioneering period.
This is even as Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), considers the state as his stronghold.
The Lagos Governor who shares the same political party with Tinubu, was installed by the ‘Jagaban’ himself. Thus, this latest announcement may be seen as a means to entice public servants on behalf of his principal.
“I am aware of the pressure on all of you. I am aware of the pressure of inflation in the country. We are not going to wait for the Federal Government.
“This is Lagos, we are going to review it. We are going to ensure that we can indeed take care of our public service because once we do that, not only would we expect a lot more from you, but the citizens will see the benefit of doing the right thing.
“We don’t want the union to wait and hold us to ransom. We want a government that is proactive, reflects the yearnings of the people, and makes that happen. Because you have not asked for that and I am here today, the salary increase is on the way and we will work it out as soon as possible,” the Governor said while making the announcement.
He further assured the civil servants that he will work closely with the Head of Service to ensure that vehicles for directors are delivered before the end of October.
He also promised that the government will release 100 brand new cars for directors, with others to get theirs in subsequent phases.
Speaking on housing, the governor said his administration has commissioned about 16 housing estates for civil servants in the state, adding that the State Ministry of Housing will deduct a certain percent to enable other civil servants to enjoy the housing benefits.
