The Lagos State Government has paid N3.67 billion in salary arrears owed to 6,293 academic and non-academic staff of state-owned tertiary institutions, in a move aimed at improving employee welfare and sustaining industrial harmony across the public sector.
Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, disclosed this on Monday during the 2026 ministerial press briefing commemorating Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s seventh year in office.
Ayantayo said the payment covered nine months of arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increments previously approved for workers in the state’s tertiary institutions.
“This singular act further bears eloquent testimony to the resolve of Mr. Governor and his Deputy in prioritising the welfare and wellbeing of workers,” Ayantayo said.
He explained that the intervention formed part of the administration’s broader strategy to strengthen industrial harmony and reposition the Lagos public service for greater efficiency and productivity.
In a further welfare intervention, the state government approved a N32,000 monthly pension increase for retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme, in line with the National Minimum Wage Amendment Act 2024.
Public servants also received a N50,000 fuel palliative to cushion the impact of rising transportation costs and broader economic pressures.
Ayantayo added that the adoption of the Lagos Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, popularly known as LAGMESS, had helped avert industrial action while improving remuneration for doctors and dentists in the state’s employment.
He noted that issues relating to contributory pensions involving the Association of Resident Doctors were resolved through dialogue in April 2026.
“The payment underscores the administration’s commitment to the welfare of serving and retired public servants,” Agoro said.
