In response to a viral video that sparked outrage on social media, the Lagos Waste Management Authority has clarified the wage structure of street sweepers.

The video, which featured a LAWMA worker claiming that sweepers were underpaid and had not received the promised minimum wage of ₦85,000, quickly gained traction and led to widespread public criticism.

The worker claimed that the sweepers were consistently receiving only ₦30,000, which was recently increased to ₦40,000 in February.

LAWMA, through a statement shared by a Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Social Media, Jibril Gawat, defended the street sweepers salaries and emphasised its commitment to the welfare of its workers.

The statement explained that the street sweeping programme is managed by LAWMA through private companies that engage sweepers under clearly defined contracts.

It added that the private firms are responsible for paying the workers directly, and as per the new minimum wage review, street sweepers are now earning ₦40,000 per month, while supervisors earn ₦50,000 which it said is proportionate to the four-hour daily shifts worked by the sweepers.

The statement partly read, “Street sweepers are engaged through private companies under structured contracts, with their responsibilities and entitlements clearly defined.

These private companies are responsible for directly paying their engaged sweepers.

“Following a recent wage review, sweeper salaries have been adjusted to align with the national minimum wage and are proportionate to their work schedule, which consists of four-hour daily shifts. Under this structure: Sweepers earn ₦40,000 per month. Supervisors earn ₦50,000 per month.”

LAWMA added that the wage increase was part of a broader effort to provide workers with financial stability while allowing flexibility for them to engage in other economic activities outside their assigned shifts.

The statement further outlined LAWMA’s commitment to improving the welfare of its workers, detailing several initiatives which included regular health and safety training, reclassification of sweeping routes for greater worker security, accident and emergency insurance coverage, and the provision of uniforms and work implements to maintain dignity and efficiency.

In the statement, the agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring they receive fair treatment in line with agreed standards and assured the public that any discrepancies in salary payments or violations of contractual agreements would be promptly investigated and rectified.

The agency also emphasised that the success of the street sweeping programme relies heavily on the dedication of the workers, and it remains committed to ensuring fair treatment and improved working conditions.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has set plans in motion to investigate the state Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, for alleged falsification of age.

The development comes amid ongoing political crisis in the state.

Recall that the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike and Governor Similayi Fubara have been engaged in a political rivalry over who controls the oil rich state.

Details later….

Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and Senator representing Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has rejected calls from the Northern Youth Leaders Forum (NYLF) urging him to run for president in 2027.

The NYLF, a coalition of 40 groups, made the request after a courtesy visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The group’s President, Comrade Eliot Afiyo, named Obasanjo as its patron and listed Kalu and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as their preferred contenders for the 2027 presidency.

The group also suggested that the Governors of Zamfara and Adamawa States, Dauda Lawal and Umar Fintiri, serve as running mates.

However, in a statement issued on Thursday by his media office and signed by George Maduka, Senator Kalu firmly dissociated himself from any presidential ambition, reiterating his commitment to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Kalu emphasized that there is no division within the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the party’s 2027 presidential candidate and urged the opposition to refrain from using his name for political distractions.

The statement read in part: “Nigerian politics operates within a framework of a federal and presidential system, allowing citizens the right to vote and be voted for.

Senator Kalu has the right to decide what position he should be considered for, and the presidency in 2027 is not one of them.

He has publicly endorsed President Tinubu for re-election and remains committed to the work required to support him.”

Kalu further expressed confidence in Tinubu’s economic reforms, stating that achieving long-term stability, inclusivity, and adaptability requires the President to serve a full eight-year tenure.

“Since Nigeria’s return to democracy, no leader has shown the courage to reform the dwindling economy as Tinubu has.

Kalu believes the best Nigerians can do is to support and re-elect the President in 2027 to complete the good work he has started.”

The former Abia State Governor also highlighted his long-standing friendship with Tinubu, dating back to their time as governors in 1999, and reaffirmed his unwavering support for the President’s progressive economic policies.