Sanwo-Olu approves extension of work from home policy for civil servants in Lagos

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has extended the flexible working initiative for public servants for an additional three months.

The Governor on February 28, 2024, directed officials to work three days a week due to difficult conditions on the ground caused by the removal of fuel subsidies.

The initiative is scheduled to end in June, but now the voivode has extended it by three months and will end on September 3, 2024.

This was contained in a circular issued by the Chief of Service (HoS), Bode Agoro.

The government said the initiative has recorded a positive impact on work productivity across various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

According to the circular “In the following part of the circular of the head of service ref. no. No.: CIR/HOS/’24/Vol.1/021 of 28 February 2024 in the case of RE: IMPLEMENTING DIRECTIVE ON FURTHER MEASURES TO MITIGATE THE EFFECTS OF THE REMOVAL OF FUEL SUBSIDY FOR PUBLIC STAFF, including public officials at levels 01-14 were allowed to work from home for two days a week and students of classes 15-17 were given one day permission to work from home a week, it was observed that this policy has recorded a positive impact on labor productivity in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the State Government.

“To this end, general notice is hereby given that Mr. Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has magnanimously approved the extension of the Flexible Working Initiative for an additional three (3} months with effect from June 3 to September 3, 2024.”

The government stated that due to the nature of their work schedules, Lagos State Inland Revenue Service (LIRS} staff, teaching staff in primary and secondary schools, health workers, clinical staff, allied health workers in clinical settings, as well as first responders in the state and drivers are exempt from the work from home initiative on the basis that there were scheduling, shift or on-duty arrangements in place which will continue.

“Accountants are therefore advised to ensure that concerned officials have achieved their respective Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the effective implementation of government policies and programs in line with the THEMES+ Agenda of the current administration.

“Accountants are therefore advised to take note of the contents of this circular to ensure compliance and give it deserved publicity throughout the site,” the circular said.