In response to the prevailing economic challenges gripping the nation, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has announced measures to alleviate the economic strain faced by residents.
Among these measures is the implementation of flexible work arrangements for civil servants in the state, aimed at minimizing economic burden while maintaining operational efficiency.
During a media chat with journalists on Thursday in Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the state government is orchestrating plans for civil servants ranging from level 1 to 14 to work from their respective offices for only three days per week.
This move, he emphasized, is part of broader efforts to mitigate the economic hardships affecting Nigerians nationwide.
Sanwo-Olu attributed the economic challenges to various factors, including the surge in food prices and inflation following the discontinuation of the petrol subsidy regime and the unification of exchange rates by President Bola Tinubu in 2023.
“From next week, we are working out a plan where civil servants from level 1 to 14 will come to the office maximum three times in a week,” stated Governor Sanwo-Olu.
“Not that all forms of government will be shut down. It will be calendarized and scheduled. Those on level 15 to 17 will miss work for one day.”
Acknowledging the unique demands of academic activities, Sanwo-Olu affirmed that teachers in public schools across the state will continue to work five days a week.
To support their efforts, the administration plans to provide additional transport assistance for teachers.
Furthermore, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced a 25 percent reduction in fares for state-owned transport services, effective this weekend.
He also expressed intentions to engage transport unions in discussions aimed at further reducing transport fares to ease the burden on residents.
In a bid to address food insecurity, Sanwo-Olu unveiled plans to identify caterers and local food vendors in each Local Government Area (LGA) to provide meals for at least 1,000 people daily.
Additionally, the administration will introduce “Sunday markets” in 42 identified markets across the state, offering food items at a discounted rate of 25 percent.
