The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has emphasized its commitment to the well-being of street sweepers, defending their wages and explaining ongoing efforts to improve their welfare.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director and CEO of LAWMA, addressed concerns over the workers’ pay in a recent interview, confirming that their earnings comply with national wage standards.
Gbadegesin clarified that sweepers currently earn N40,000 for four hours of work daily, which, when scaled to full-time hours, exceeds the national minimum wage, standing at N70,000 a month.
“If they were full-time staff, at that rate, they would be making N80,000 a month, which is N10,000 above the national minimum wage. So it’s untrue that the government doesn’t care about them,” he said.
He also highlighted additional welfare initiatives, including health checkups and free cataract surgeries for those in need.
“The street-sweeping programme is a flagship initiative of LAWMA, and the government has consistently prioritised their welfare,” Gbadegesin stated.
In response to concerns about vendor companies managing the sweepers, he pledged to continue investigating any claims of exploitation, ensuring that the workers receive the benefits they deserve.