By Lukman Olabiyi
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has issued a statement in response to a viral video that sparked public outrage over the wages of street sweepers in the state.
The video, which featured a LAWMA worker claiming that sweepers were underpaid and had not received the promised N85,000 minimum wage, quickly went viral and attracted widespread criticism.
In the video, the worker alleged that sweepers were only receiving N30,000, a sum that was recently increased to N40,000 in February. This discrepancy between what was promised and what was being paid raised concerns among social media users.
However, LAWMA has since defended the wages of street sweepers, clarifying that the street sweeping programme is managed through private companies, which engage the workers under clearly defined contracts.
According to the agency, these private firms are responsible for directly paying the sweepers, and as per the recent wage review, sweepers now earn N40,000 per month, while supervisors are paid N50,000.
These salaries, LAWMA explained, are aligned with the national minimum wage and reflect the four-hour daily shifts worked by the sweepers.
LAWMA further stated that the wage increase is part of a broader initiative aimed at providing workers with financial stability, while also allowing them the flexibility to engage in other economic activities outside their designated shifts.
The agency also highlighted various efforts to improve worker’s welfare, including regular health and safety training, reclassification of sweeping routes for greater security, accident and emergency insurance coverage, and the provision of uniforms and work tools to ensure dignity and efficiency.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to fair treatment for all workers and promised to investigate any discrepancies in salary payments or violations of contractual agreements.
LAWMA emphasized that the success of the street sweeping program relies on the dedication of its workers and that the agency remains committed to ensuring improved working conditions for them.