The Lagos salary backlog payment has brought relief to thousands of workers in state-owned tertiary institutions after the Lagos State Government cleared N3.67 billion in unpaid salary arrears. The payment covered 6,293 academic and non-academic staff and formed part of wider welfare reforms introduced by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, announced the development during the 2026 ministerial press briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja. He explained that the payment covered nine months of arrears linked to the 25 percent and 35 percent salary increase approved for workers in Lagos tertiary institutions.
Ayantayo stated that the Lagos salary backlog payment reflected the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare and industrial peace. He added that the administration continued to invest in training, promotions, and institutional reforms to improve productivity in the public service.
The commissioner also disclosed that the state implemented a N32,000 monthly pension increase for retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme. The adjustment followed the National Minimum Wage Amendment Act 2024.
According to him, Governor Sanwo-Olu also approved a N50,000 fuel palliative for public servants. The measure aimed to reduce the pressure caused by rising transportation costs and economic hardship.
Ayantayo revealed that the government paid N456.5 million to 470 resident doctors through the Medical Residency Training Fund. Medical and dental practitioners also received salary differentials worth N378.8 million.
He explained that Lagos successfully implemented the Lagos Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, also known as LAGMESS. The move helped the government prevent industrial action in the health sector and improve doctors’ welfare.
The commissioner added that issues involving contributory pensions and the Association of Resident Doctors were resolved through dialogue in April 2026.
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On workforce development, Ayantayo said the ministry organised 54 training programmes between May 2025 and May 2026. More than 7,116 public servants across different cadres benefited from the programmes.
The Head of Service, Bode Agoro, also disclosed that the state paid N8.04 billion to retirees under both the Contributory Pension Scheme and the Defined Benefit Scheme.
Agoro described the public service as the engine room of governance in Lagos State. He commended workers for their dedication and professionalism.
He further disclosed that 4,837 newly recruited officers were uploaded into the Soft Suite database and deployed across ministries, departments, and agencies. Another 38 political appointees were also integrated into the system.
Agoro added that 185 newly recruited Administrative and Human Resource officers participated in familiarisation tours to strengthen their understanding of public service operations.
He also confirmed that Governor Sanwo-Olu approved the appointment of 25 directors on Grade Level 17 as Permanent Secretaries and Tutors-General in the Lagos State Public Service.
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