Lagos State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Sessi Funmi, has called on the state government to prioritize affordable housing and improved infrastructure for workers in Lagos. Speaking exclusively with The PUNCH, Funmi highlighted the challenges faced by workers in the state, particularly the high cost of housing and inadequate infrastructure in neighboring Ogun State.
She emphasized the need for the Lagos government to collaborate with private investors to develop housing estates in underutilized areas such as Badagry, Ikorodu, and Epe. “When housing becomes unaffordable in Lagos, workers are forced to relocate to Ogun State. However, Ogun State benefits from the taxes we pay without making adequate investments in infrastructure,” Funmi stated.
In her critique of Ogun State, Funmi described the road networks, especially in areas like Akute and Abeokuta, as “terrible and bad.” She condemned Ogun State for neglecting its infrastructure while benefiting from taxes paid by Lagos-based workers. “You are collecting taxes without providing infrastructure. This is unacceptable,” she remarked.
Beyond housing and infrastructure, Funmi also addressed the issue of corruption, urging workers to act with integrity and accountability. She warned against those enabling corrupt practices and urged them to reflect on their actions. “Let us do the right thing. Many of us have tarnished our family names, and our children are suffering the consequences,” she lamented.
As 2025 begins, Funmi expressed hope for better collaboration between workers and the government, stressing that such cooperation is key to ensuring industrial harmony and progress. She urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to deliver on his promises for housing and infrastructure improvements in Lagos State.
