The Lagos State Government has disbursed N3.67 billion in salary arrears to 6,293 academic and non-academic staff of its tertiary institutions, as part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing workers’ welfare and maintaining industrial harmony.
The Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, disclosed this on Monday during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing marking the third anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term, held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja.
Ayantayo explained that the payment covered nine months of outstanding arrears resulting from the 25 and 35 per cent salary increments approved for staff of state-owned tertiary institutions.
He said the move reflects the administration’s commitment to prioritising employee welfare, fostering industrial peace, and repositioning the state’s public service for greater efficiency and productivity.
According to the commissioner, the government has continued to invest significantly in staff welfare through training, promotions, and institutional reforms aimed at building a more responsive and globally competitive workforce.
He added that retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme now receive an additional N32,000 monthly pension, in line with the National Minimum Wage Amendment Act 2024.
Ayantayo further revealed that Governor Sanwo-Olu approved a N50,000 fuel subsidy allowance for public servants to cushion the impact of rising living and transportation costs.
“This gesture underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and well-being of workers,” he said.
In the health sector, the commissioner disclosed that N456.5 million was released for the Medical Residency Training Fund, benefiting 470 resident doctors, while N378.8 million was approved to settle salary differentials for medical and dental practitioners.
He also noted that the successful implementation of the Lagos Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (LAGMESS) helped avert industrial action and improved remuneration for healthcare professionals.
Ayantayo added that pension-related concerns involving the Association of Resident Doctors were resolved in April 2026 through dialogue and engagement.
On capacity development, he stated that the ministry organised 54 training programmes between May 2025 and May 2026, benefiting over 7,116 public servants across various cadres.