CITIZENS COMPASS– Scores of road side sweepers in Lagos State have said that they buy brooms to sweep the roads with their hard earned money.
The sweepers who are an offshoot of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) were protesting harsh working conditions by their employers.
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 Kunle Adebiyi, and senior official, Oluwakemi Sulaimon urging 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.
In a statement titled, “Understanding the Lagos Street Sweeping Program: Structure, Remuneration, and Commitment to Worker Welfare”, LAWMA management said, “The Lagos State street sweeping program plays a vital role in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. “The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) oversees this program, ensuring that sweeping operations run efficiently and that workers receive fair remuneration and adequate support.
“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
“This arrangement provides workers with financial stability while allowing flexibility for other economic activities outside their assigned shifts.
“Commitment to worker welfare
LAWMA is committed to improving the welfare and working conditions of street sweepers and has implemented several initiatives to enhance their safety, well-being, and efficiency. These include:
• Regular health and safety training to ensure best practices in their daily operations.
• Reclassification of sweeping routes to prioritize worker safety and security.
• Accident and emergency insurance coverage to provide medical support in case of work-related incidents.
• Provision of uniforms and necessary work implements to ensure dignity and efficiency in their duties.
Addressing concerns and ensuring compliance
“LAWMA takes the concerns of street sweepers seriously and remains committed to ensuring they receive fair treatment in line with agreed standards. Any reports of salary discrepancies or contractual violations are promptly investigated, and corrective measures are enforced where necessary.
“The success of the street sweeping program relies on the dedication of these essential workers, and LAWMA will continue to uphold policies that ensure their welfare while enhancing service delivery for a cleaner Lagos.”
