In a statement issued on Thursday and shared by Jubril Gawat, Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on New Media, LAWMA explained that street sweepers are employed through private companies under structured contracts, with their responsibilities and entitlements clearly defined.
Wage Review and Compensation Structure
The agency stated that a recent wage review adjusted payments for street sweepers to align with the national minimum wage. Under the new structure, sweepers earn N40,000 per month for four-hour daily shifts, while supervisors receive N50,000.
“This arrangement provides workers with financial stability while allowing flexibility for other economic activities outside their assigned shifts,” LAWMA said.
It is unclear whether the wage review considered the Nigerian government’s approved N70,000 minimum wage. However, LAWMA emphasized that the compensation reflects the sweepers’ work schedule and is designed to balance their income with flexibility.
Efforts to Improve Welfare
LAWMA highlighted several measures implemented to enhance workers’ welfare, including:
- Regular health and safety training to ensure best practices.
- Reclassification of sweeping routes to prioritize worker safety and security.
- Accident and emergency insurance coverage for work-related incidents.
- Provision of uniforms and necessary work tools to ensure dignity and efficiency.
The agency also vowed to investigate any reports of salary discrepancies or contractual violations and enforce corrective measures where necessary.
Street Sweeper’s Protest
The statement comes in response to a protest by a street sweeper, who raised concerns about unpaid wages, excessive salary deductions, and harsh working conditions. In a video seen by SaharaReporters, the worker appealed to LAWMA’s CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, and other officials to address their grievances.
The worker alleged that despite promises of a salary increase to N85,000 in August 2024, sweepers continue to receive between N30,000 and N40,000, with unexplained deductions. She also claimed that the N25,000 presidential wage allowance approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was reduced to N10,000 for sweepers and inconsistently paid.
Challenges Faced by Sweepers
The worker lamented the lack of health benefits, risk allowances, and support for work tools, noting that sweepers must purchase their own brooms at N1,000 each. She also highlighted the dangers of the job, including exposure to harmful dust and traffic hazards, and alleged that at least three sweepers lost their lives on duty last year without adequate compensation for their families.
The worker criticized the contract system under which sweepers are employed, arguing that deductions should not exceed N10,000, unlike the N45,000 currently being withheld. She also contrasted the lack of benefits for sweepers with the food, transport, and medical allowances enjoyed by LAWMA executives.
Conclusion
The protest underscores the challenges faced by street sweepers in Lagos, despite their crucial role in maintaining the city’s cleanliness. While LAWMA has defended its compensation structure and welfare measures, the grievances raised by workers highlight the need for further dialogue and action to ensure fair treatment and improved working conditions.