Despite the recent hike in Lagos State’s minimum wage to N85,000, street sweepers employed by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) reportedly still earn N30,000 monthly.
According to the Punch, LAWMA employs over 16,489 street sweepers and supervisors, who work daily to manage the city’s waste through a comprehensive collection, transportation, and disposal system, the Punch newspaper reported.
“These cleaners, who keep our streets and offices spotless, deserve far more than what they are being given,” one human rights activist said.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has responded to concerns about the health and welfare of street sweepers, explaining steps taken to support them.
LAWMA’s Director of Public Affairs, Sade Kadiri, explained that the agency provides quarterly medical check-ups across the state’s eight regions, with a focus on preventive and diagnostic care to detect health issues early and care for the workers.
“By conducting this check-up consistently, we aim to monitor and maintain the general health of our sweepers. Each session includes vital signs, check screening for chronic diseases, occupational health assessments to detect any work-related conditions, personalised health advice and referrals for further treatment if needed,” she said.
Beyond health and welfare, Kadiri also highlighted that LAWMA offers an insurance scheme to support street sweepers financially in case of job-related accidents, as well as weekly safety training sessions on waste handling and the use of protective equipment.
“Regarding ongoing safety training, weekly sessions are conducted on-site. These cover critical safety measures, including proper waste handling, lifting techniques, and the use of personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks. “On the welfare of our sanitation workers, LAWMA is mindful of the current economic reality in the country and is working assiduously to ensure the well-being of those working to keep our environment clean,” the LAWMA director said.
In response to queries about minimum wage, Kadiri expressed optimism, noting that sweepers may soon see an increase once Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approves it.
The Deputy Director, Public Affairs Unit, Ministry of Environment, Mr Adekunle Adeshina, further clarified that street sweepers are employed by LAWMA, not directly by the state, and therefore have different employment terms from the other public servants.
“LAWMA employed them for the specific purpose of cleaning the streets. And people who work in the parastatals are different from the core public servants. So, LAWMA will be in the best position to answer you,” he said.