The Lagos State Government has directed its workers to work from home for the next three months due to the recent hike in fuel prices. The directive, which was contained in a circular signed by Bode Agoro, the state Head of Service, on Wednesday, is aimed at alleviating the hardship caused by the fuel price increase.
According to the circular, workers on grade levels 01 to 14 are expected to work from home for two days a week, while those on grade levels 15 to 17 will work from home for one day a week. The policy takes effect from September 4 and is expected to last for three months.
Earlier, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had introduced the work-from-home policy in February, and has now extended it due to the ongoing fuel price hike. The government hopes that this measure will reduce the financial burden on workers and increase productivity.
The fuel prices have continued to rise steadily. By August 2023, it reached N626.70 and continued to fluctuate, surmounting N668.3 in January 2024 and N770.54 in July 2024. As of September 2024, it has increased again to a staggering N897 per litre, which greatly worsens the situation for many Nigerians.
Meanwhile, Experts have said said the commencement of fuel production by the Dangote refinery will strengthen the nation’s economy by eliminating constant shortages, which accounts for fuel scarcity, boost foreign reserves and check unfavourable foreign exchange differences in favour of Nigeria’s naira.
Petrol produced from the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote refinery is expected to hit filling stations in the next 48 hours as modalities with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)have been formalised.
