Workers under the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) have raised concerns over their poor working conditions, citing meager salaries, lack of health benefits, and the burden of purchasing their own cleaning tools. The aggrieved street sweepers are calling on LAWMA’s leadership to improve their welfare and fulfill promises of better remuneration.
One of the protesting workers revealed that despite rumors of a salary increase to N85,000, they have been receiving only N30,000 per month, an amount they say is insufficient given the rising cost of living. Many of them struggle to make ends meet and have no access to health insurance or other essential benefits.
“LAWMA is treating us unfairly. We clean the streets every day in harsh weather, yet they pay us so little and don’t provide us with the tools we need. We have to buy our own brooms and cleaning equipment from our small salaries,” a worker lamented.
The sweepers also called out key officials of LAWMA, including Managing Director Muyiwa Gbadegbeshin, Head of Public Affairs Mrs. Folashade Kadri, Director of Finance Kule Adebiyi, and senior official Oluwakemi Sulaimon. They urged them to show empathy by addressing their grievances and providing adequate welfare packages to workers who keep Lagos clean.
“Everything is getting more expensive, and we can’t survive on this salary. The government should intervene and ensure that LAWMA pays us fairly,” another protester stated.
The workers have vowed to continue pressing for their rights until their demands are met. Meanwhile, LAWMA is yet to officially respond to the allegations.
Credit: Lagos Reporter
