Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has declared a two-day off-duty period for civil servants in the state government workforce as part of efforts to cushion the effect of the increase in fuel prices.

The development comes as Nigerians continue to lament the rising pump prices, which have surged from N680 to N1,500 in major cities amid the excruciating hardship in the country.

In a circular issued by the office of the Head of Service on Wednesday, the gesture was approved for civil servants in the junior cadre on grade levels 01–14.

According to the circular, signed by the permanent secretary, Bureau of Service Matters, for the Head of Service, Oladipupo Ogunfowora, civil servants on grade levels 15–17 are to maintain their existing one-day off-duty per week.

“In providing further succour to the teeming workforce in the Ogun State Public Service following the upward review of the pump price of petrol and the attendant impact on transportation costs and the general standard of living, the Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, has graciously approved two (2) days off-duty per week for Officers on Grade Levels 01–14, while Officers on Grade Levels 15–17 are to maintain the one (1) day off-duty in a week.

“This gesture is aimed at further ameliorating the burden on public servants who now face more significant challenges commuting to work, with the hope of bringing substantial relief to them and enhancing their service delivery through a more motivated and energised workforce.

“All Accounting Officers are to immediately implement this policy initiative in their respective MDAs accordingly and are expected to work out modalities to ensure that the days off for their staff are scheduled in such a way that service delivery is not compromised. In addition, appropriate monitoring mechanisms should be put in place to ensure strict compliance,” the circular read.