Lagos Approves N40,000 As Salary For Street Sweepers

The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced that street sweepers under its street cleaning programme will now earn N40,000 per month, following a wage review.

While this aligns with the national minimum wage, concerns persist about whether the remuneration is sufficient given the economic realities in Lagos.

LAWMA’s management on Thursday emphasized that street sweepers are engaged through private contractors responsible for their salaries and benefits. Under this structure, sweepers work four-hour daily shifts and earn N40,000 per month, while supervisors receive N50,000 per month.

The agency described this arrangement as a balance between financial stability and job flexibility, allowing workers to engage in other economic activities outside their assigned shifts.

LAWMA also highlighted measures taken to improve worker welfare, including providing uniforms, safety training, accident insurance, and reclassifying sweeping routes for better security.

“LAWMA takes the concerns of street sweepers seriously and remains committed to ensuring they receive fair treatment in line with agreed standards. Any reports of salary discrepancies or contractual violations are promptly investigated, and corrective measures are enforced where necessary.

“The success of the street sweeping programme relies on the dedication of these essential workers, and LAWMA will continue to uphold policies that ensure their welfare while enhancing service delivery for a cleaner Lagos,” LAWMA said.

A viral video making rounds on social media features a street sweeper speaking out against alleged exploitation by her superiors, highlighting poor wages and harsh working conditions.

The unidentified sweeper accused her supervisors of underpaying workers and failing to implement the approved salary structure.

She claimed that despite reports of a salary increase to N85,000 since August 2024, sweepers have continued to receive only N30,000 for months.

Additionally, she alleged that workers are forced to cover the cost of their work tools without any financial support.

She also expressed concerns over salary delays, stating that payments often arrive as late as the 13th or 15th of the following month.

“People should please help us and ask these people, I am not very sure that it is blood that is running in your veins because we don’t understand why you are cheating us. We know that you are our bosses. You sat in your office and did not pity those of us working on the road. We buy our brooms without any allowance. We learnt that the salary became N85,000 in August but our supervisors kept promising to pay the amount despite the high cost of living.

“We buy up to three brooms at N1000 each in a month but you have been paying us 30,000 for almost six months. We thought it would change last January but it didn’t. Even the N30,000 is not being paid on time until the 13 or 15th of the following month,” she said.

“Even the N20,000 award wages that the President asked you to pay, we are only paid N10,000. Sometimes, only 10 people or four people will receive along each route,” the sweeper added.

Beyond the financial struggles, she also lamented the hazardous conditions street sweepers face, revealing that at least three of her colleagues lost their lives last year while on duty.

Meanwhile, LAWMA assured that any salary discrepancies or contractual violations would be promptly investigated, urging workers to report grievances.