The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved a wage award of N35,000 for state public servants. In addition, he has authorized the payment of an end-of-year bonus equal to 50% of basic salary for all political appointees and public servants, including employees of local governments and council development areas, the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, and the Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps.
This decision was conveyed in a circular signed by the Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, and referenced as CIR/HOS/’23/Vol. 1/ 109. The circular, titled ‘2023 End Of Year Bonus And Implementation Of Wage Awards’, stated that the Governor approved the payments as a form of appreciation for the contribution of public servants towards the progress of the state, as well as his commitment to their welfare.
The statement further noted that the end-of-year bonus and wage award, which will be paid alongside December 2023 salary, will be non-taxable. It reads: “As part of the present administration’s continuous appreciation of the contributions of all public servants towards the advancement of the state and its unrelenting commitment to the welfare of its workforce, it is hereby notified for general information that Mr. Governor has graciously approved the payment of 50% of basic salary as end-of-year bonus for all political appointees and public servants, including employees of local governments and local council development areas, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board and Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps.
“In the same vein, Mr. Governor has further approved the implementation of the wage award (palliative) pending the review of the national minimum wage. Therefore, the 50% of basic salary as an end-of-year Bonus, as well as the wage award palliative), will be paid alongside the December 2023 salary as a “non-taxable element”.
The circular implores public servants to continue striving for excellence in providing quality service delivery to the people of the State in line with Mr. Governor’s THEMES+ Agenda. It also enjoins all heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies to note the content of this circular and give it the service-wide publicity it deserves.