Lagos clears N3.67bn salary arrears, pays workers, retirees billions in welfare boost
The Lagos State Government has approved and disbursed N3.67 billion in outstanding salaries to 6,293 academic and non-academic employees of state-owned tertiary institutions as part of broader welfare initiatives and public service reforms targeted at enhancing workers’ wellbeing and maintaining industrial peace across the state.
The Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, made this known on Monday during the 2026 ministerial press briefing marking the seventh anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat’s administration in Alausa, Ikeja.
Ayantayo explained that the payment covered nine months of arrears resulting from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary adjustments approved for workers in Lagos State-owned tertiary institutions.
He noted that the measure was in line with the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare, industrial harmony and efforts to reposition the state’s public service for greater efficiency and productivity.
According to him, the administration has consistently invested in staff welfare, capacity building, promotions and institutional reforms to create a more effective and globally competitive public service.
The commissioner also revealed that the government introduced a N32,000 monthly pension increase for retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme in compliance with the National Minimum Wage Amendment Act 2024.
He further stated that Governor Sanwo-Olu approved a N50,000 fuel subsidy support payment for public servants to ease the burden of economic challenges and rising transport expenses.
“This singular act further bears eloquent testimony to the resolve of Mr Governor and his deputy in prioritising the welfare and wellbeing of workers.
“The government also paid N456.5 million Medical Residency Training Fund to 470 resident doctors in the state, while salary differentials amounting to N378.8 million were approved for medical and dental practitioners,” he said.
Ayantayo added that the successful implementation of the Lagos Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (LAGMESS) helped prevent industrial action within the health sector while improving salaries for doctors and dental practitioners.
He also disclosed that pension-related issues involving the Association of Resident Doctors were resolved in April 2026 through dialogue and stakeholder engagement.
On workforce development, Ayantayo said the ministry organised 54 training programmes between May 2025 and May 2026, with over 7,116 public servants across different cadres benefiting from the initiative.
Speaking separately, the State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, disclosed that the government paid a total of N8.04 billion to retirees under both the Contributory Pension Scheme and Defined Benefit Scheme as part of efforts to strengthen pension administration, workers’ welfare and service delivery in the state public service.
Agoro described the public service as the driving force of governance and development in Lagos State and praised workers for their dedication, resilience and professionalism.
He said the Office of the Head of Service recorded significant achievements in staff welfare, pension administration, housing support, innovation, procurement reforms and workforce development during the review period.
According to him, 4,837 newly employed officers across different cadres were uploaded into the Soft Suite database and posted to relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, while 38 political appointees were equally integrated into the system.
He added that 185 newly recruited and converted Administrative and Human Resource officers participated in familiarisation tours across key establishment ministries to deepen their understanding of public service operations.
Agoro further disclosed 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.
