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.