The Lagos State Government has paid over N3.6 billion in outstanding salary arrears to thousands of workers in state-owned tertiary institutions as part of fresh efforts to improve workers’ welfare and maintain industrial peace across the state.
The announcement was made on Monday by the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, during the 2026 ministerial press briefing marking the seventh anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration in Alausa, Ikeja.
According to Ayantayo, a total of N3.67 billion was approved and disbursed to 6,293 academic and non-academic staff across Lagos-owned tertiary institutions.
The payment reportedly covered nine months of arrears linked to the 25 percent and 35 percent salary increase earlier approved for workers in the institutions.
The commissioner explained that the move forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to prioritise staff welfare, improve productivity and sustain harmony within the public service.
“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 stated.
Beyond salary arrears, the Lagos government also announced several welfare packages aimed at easing the economic pressure currently affecting public workers and retirees.
Ayantayo disclosed that Governor Sanwo-Olu approved a N50,000 fuel palliative for civil servants to cushion the impact of rising transportation costs and economic hardship.
The state government also implemented a N32,000 monthly pension increment for retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme in line with the National Minimum Wage Amendment Act 2024.
In the health sector, the commissioner revealed that Lagos paid N456.5 million under the Medical Residency Training Fund to support 470 resident doctors.
He added that salary differentials amounting to N378.8 million were also approved for medical and dental practitioners across the state.
According to the government, the successful implementation of the Lagos Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (LAGMESS) helped prevent industrial action in the health sector while improving welfare for doctors and healthcare professionals.
Ayantayo further noted that lingering contributory pension issues involving resident doctors were resolved through dialogue and engagement in April 2026.
The Lagos government also highlighted major investments in staff training and human capital development over the past year.
The commissioner said the ministry organised 54 training programmes between May 2025 and May 2026, benefiting over 7,100 public servants across different cadres.
Meanwhile, the Lagos 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 the Defined Benefit Scheme.
Agoro described the public service as the backbone of governance in Lagos and praised workers for their commitment and professionalism despite economic challenges.
He also revealed that 4,837 newly recruited officers were successfully integrated into the state’s workforce system and deployed across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Additionally, Governor Sanwo-Olu approved the appointment of 25 new Permanent Secretaries and Tutors-General within the Lagos State Public Service.
The latest announcements have generated positive reactions among workers and pensioners, many of whom see the payments as a major relief amid Nigeria’s rising cost of living.
