Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria — The Governor of Osun State in south western Nigeria, Ademola Adeleke, has approved shorter working hours for public servants in the state in response to the ongoing Ramadan and Lent fasting seasons.
The decision was announced on Thursday, February 19, 2026, and takes immediate effect the same day. It applies to employees working for the Osun State Government during the religious observances, which are widely observed by Muslims and Christians across Nigeria.
The directive was formally communicated in a circular issued by the Office of the Head of Service of Osun State, signed by Elder Ayanleye Aina and dated Thursday, February 19, 2026. The circular was titled “Closure of Work During Ramadan and Lent Fasting Periods.”
Under the new arrangement, public servants are to close work by 2:00 pm from Monday to Thursday, and by 1:00 pm on Fridays, for the duration of the fasting seasons only.
According to the circular, “As part of the welfare packages of the State Government for its workforce, the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sen. (Dr.) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has graciously approved that public servants should close work by 2pm from Mondays to Thursdays, and 1pm on Fridays, during the ongoing Ramadan and Lent seasons only.”
The statement further explained the reason behind the adjustment. It read, “This gesture of the Governor is to enable public servants have sufficient time to pray for the existing peace and tranquillity in the state to continue unhindered, more so as the gubernatorial election is holding in the state this year.”
Osun State, located in south western Nigeria, is preparing for a governorship election later in 2026. The administration said the reduced hours would allow workers more time for prayer and reflection during the sensitive political period.
However, the directive does not apply to all categories of workers. The circular clarified that essential service providers, particularly medical personnel, are excluded due to the critical and life saving nature of their responsibilities.
“However, those on essential services, especially medical personnel, are excluded from this arrangement in view of the life-saving nature of their duties,” the circular stated.
The governor also directed political office holders, accounting officers in Ministries, Departments and Agencies, heads of non ministerial agencies, local government authorities, and Local Council Development Authorities across Osun State to comply fully with the directive and ensure it is widely communicated to all staff members.
Okay News reports that temporary adjustments to public service schedules during Ramadan are not uncommon in parts of Nigeria, where large populations observe the month long fast from dawn to sunset. The inclusion of Lent, a 40 day Christian fasting and prayer period leading up to Easter, reflects the state’s religious diversity.
The new schedule will remain in place only for the duration of the Ramadan and Lent fasting periods, after which normal working hours are expected to resume.
