A street sweeper working with the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) has sparked outrage after exposing alleged corruption and exploitation within the agency. In a viral video circulating on social media, the aggrieved worker accused LAWMA supervisors of embezzling funds meant for workers’ salaries and failing to implement the officially approved pay structure.
According to the sweeper, despite reports that their salaries were increased to N85,000 since August 2024, workers have continued to receive a meager N30,000—less than half of the approved amount—for nearly six months. Worse still, they are allegedly forced to buy their own cleaning tools, including brooms, with no additional allowance to cover these costs.
Are we not human beings? Do our bosses even have blood running in their veins? the frustrated worker lamented in the video. “We work tirelessly under the sun and rain, yet our supervisors keep shortchanging us. We heard our salary was increased last year, but all we get are empty promises. Even the N20,000 presidential wage award has been slashed; instead of the full amount, we get only N10,000, and sometimes only a handful of workers receive it.
The sweeper also revealed that salaries are often delayed, with workers receiving their N30,000 stipends as late as the 13th or 15th of the following month.
The allegations have fueled widespread criticism of LAWMA’s management, with many Nigerians calling for an immediate investigation into the claims. As the cost of living continues to skyrocket, the question remains: Who is pocketing the wages meant for Lagos street sweepers?
