The Ogun State Government has introduced new relief measures for its workforce, approving a weekly day off and a ₦10,000 monthly transport allowance for civil servants across the state.
The announcement was made on Thursday in a statement issued by the Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, who said the intervention was aimed at easing the burden of rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of living in the country.
According to the statement, the initiative was approved by Governor Dapo Abiodun and will take effect from April 2026. The measures are expected to run for an initial period of three months.
Onasanya explained that the decision was taken in response to the economic realities facing many Nigerian workers, particularly the sharp increase in transportation costs following the rise in fuel prices.
“Towards providing relief to the workforce in light of the hike in the pump price of fuel and its impact on transportation and general living conditions, the governor has approved one day off duty in a week for workers in the state,” he said.
He added that the weekly day off would be accompanied by a ₦10,000 transport allowance, which will be paid monthly to eligible civil servants as a form of support.
“This is in addition to the payment of ₦10,000 special transport allowance as palliatives for three months commencing from April 2026,” Onasanya stated.
The Head of Service noted that the measures are expected not only to ease financial pressure on workers but also to improve productivity by giving employees more time to rest and manage personal responsibilities.
Under the arrangement, each civil servant will be entitled to one additional day off per week. However, the specific day off will be determined by accounting officers in various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that government services are not disrupted.
Despite the new policy, some categories of workers have been exempted from the weekly day-off arrangement due to the critical nature of their duties. These include medical personnel, judicial officers, teachers, security personnel, and heads of departments.
Onasanya explained that while these essential workers will not benefit from the extra day off, they will still receive the ₦10,000 transport allowance.
He stressed that the government is mindful of the need to maintain uninterrupted service delivery, especially in key sectors such as health, education, and security.
“The accounting officers in the various MDAs are to work out modalities to ensure that the implementation of the policy does not affect service delivery,” he said.
The Head of Service commended Governor Abiodun for what he described as a timely and thoughtful intervention, noting that many workers have been struggling to cope with rising expenses.
He also urged civil servants to respond positively by showing greater commitment to their duties.
“This gesture should be reciprocated with improved dedication and efficiency in service,” he added.
The move by the Ogun State Government comes at a time when many Nigerians are facing economic hardship due to inflation and the rising cost of basic goods and services.
Since the removal of fuel subsidy in 2023, petrol prices have increased significantly, leading to higher transport fares across the country. This has had a direct impact on workers, many of whom spend a large portion of their income on commuting to and from work.
In urban centres, transportation costs have more than doubled in some cases, forcing workers to adjust their budgets or seek alternative means of commuting.
State governments and private organisations have been exploring different ways to support workers in response to these challenges. Some have introduced transport allowances, flexible work schedules, or remote work options where possible.
However, they also note that the success of the policy will depend on how well it is implemented, particularly in ensuring that public services are not affected.
Labour unions have in the past called for more comprehensive measures to address the economic situation, including wage increases and better welfare packages for workers.
While the ₦10,000 transport allowance may not fully cover rising costs, it is expected to provide some level of relief for civil servants in the state.
Residents and workers in Ogun State have reacted to the development with cautious optimism, with many welcoming the initiative while expressing hope that it could be extended beyond the initial three-month period.
A civil servant in Abeokuta, who spoke anonymously, said, “The extra day off will help reduce transport costs, even if it is just one day less of going to work. The allowance will also help, though things are still expensive.”
Another worker said the policy shows that the government is aware of the challenges facing workers.
“It may not solve everything, but at least it is a step in the right direction,” she said.
As the policy takes effect, attention will be on how it impacts both workers and service delivery in the state.
For now, the Ogun State Government says it remains committed to supporting its workforce and responding to the economic realities affecting residents.
The coming months will likely determine whether the initiative will be extended or adjusted, depending on its impact and feedback from workers and the public.