The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has approved a reduction in the number of working days for public servants to ease the burden of rising transportation costs. This decision, which was announced through a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, aims to mitigate the impact of Nigeria’s current economic challenges. The change was detailed in a circular issued by the Office of the Head of Service.

According to the circular, “Public servants on GL.01 to GL.10 – three days a week; public servants on GL.12 to GL.17 – four days a week.” This new arrangement, however, excludes essential workers, including medical personnel, security officers, political office holders, and accounting officers. The circular added, “It is also important to note that the arrangement regarding which days each public servant in the above categories will work shall be organised by the accounting officers in the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government.”

In addition to adjusting the work schedule, Governor Adeleke has extended the payment of palliative measures for public servants for another two months. The statement read, “The governor has also graciously approved the continuation of palliative payments to public servants in the state for the next two months, pending the commencement of the new minimum wage.” All accounting officers in various government bodies, including Local Governments, were directed to ensure compliance with these changes.

This initiative underscores the governor’s commitment to the welfare of public servants in the state, as part of efforts to cushion the effects of the country’s economic situation.