Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced a new policy granting public servants additional days off per week to counter the impact of rising fuel prices. This move is aimed at alleviating the burden of transportation costs and improving the welfare of state workers.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Oladipupo Ogunfowora, the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau of Service Matters, detailed the new policy. Officers on Grade Level 01-14 will now enjoy two days off per week, while those on Grade Level 15-17 will retain one day off per week.
Ogunfowora highlighted that this decision is a response to the recent increase in petrol prices and the resultant financial strain on workers. “Governor Abiodun has shown a strong commitment to the welfare of public servants,” Ogunfowora said. “This policy is designed to mitigate the challenges faced by employees commuting to work.”
The statement emphasized that the new policy aims to provide relief to public servants who are struggling with higher transportation costs. It also seeks to enhance productivity by ensuring a more motivated and energised workforce.
In July 2023, Abiodun had already implemented a policy granting one day off per week for all public servants. The recent extension to two days off for lower-grade officers is seen as an additional measure to reduce financial pressures and improve overall service delivery.
The statement read, “In providing further succor to the teeming workforce in Ogun State, following the upward review of the pump price of petrol, the Governor has approved two days off duty per week for officers on Grade Level 01-14, while officers on Grade Level 15-17 are to maintain one day off duty per week.”
The policy is expected to be implemented immediately. All accounting officers have been instructed to ensure that the day off system is scheduled to avoid disrupting service delivery. “All accounting officers are to immediately implement this policy initiative in their respective MDAs and ensure that service delivery is not compromised,” Ogunfowora added.