The Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area in Lagos State, Mr. Fatai Ayoola, has asserted that local governments have no valid excuse for not implementing the newly-approved ₦70,000 minimum wage.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Ayoola highlighted that the increased federal allocations under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, coupled with the recently-granted financial autonomy, have adequately empowered local governments to meet the new wage requirements.
According to Ayoola, local governments have seen a 100% increase in federal allocations under the current administration. “There is no reason councils should not be able to pay the minimum wage with direct federal allocations to them,” he stated.
Ayoola further noted that Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government is already paying more than the minimum wage when allowances are factored in. “Paying the minimum wage will not pose any issue for us and will not affect our ongoing and future projects,” he assured.
In addition to meeting salary obligations, Ayoola mentioned that the council regularly provides palliatives to both staff and community members. “We purchase a trailer of rice monthly, bag it into 10kg portions, and sell it for less than ₦7,000 to our community. We also distribute portions of cow meat and support security outfits to protect our environment,” he explained.
Ayoola commended President Tinubu for facilitating financial autonomy for local governments, urging councils to maximize their impact on their communities and ensure accountability. He emphasized that local council officials should be willing to make necessary sacrifices for the benefit of grassroots communities.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by the council, Ayoola recounted how the council’s secretariat was burned during the 2020 #EndSARS protests, resulting in the loss of 84 vehicles, 26 of which were brand new. Despite the Federal Government providing no assistance, the Lagos State Government contributed six vehicles.
Ayoola concluded by calling on Nigerians to hold their local government chairmen accountable for their actions and decisions.
