The Lagos State Government has officially ended its remote work policy for public servants, which was introduced earlier in the year to address the economic challenges following the removal of the petrol subsidy.
In a statement issued by the Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, it was confirmed that the work-from-home initiative would be discontinued effective March 31, 2025.
The decision aligns with the recent implementation of a new minimum wage for civil servants and the government’s vision to enhance public service delivery.
The policy, which had been in effect since February 2024, allowed civil servants in Grade Levels 01 to 14 to work from home for two days a week, while those in Grade Levels 15 to 17 had the option of one remote workday per week.
The measure was introduced to ease the financial stress on workers due to increased transportation costs, a direct consequence of the fuel subsidy removal.
According to Mr Agoro, the scrapping of the remote work initiative is in line with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s approval of an N85,000 minimum wage for public servants, a policy aimed at improving workers’ welfare. Agoro stated, “It is hereby notified for general information that the governor has approved the cancellation of the work-from-home initiative in the Lagos State Public Service.”
Public servants have now been urged to return to full-time, on-site work in order to boost service delivery across various government ministries and agencies. Agoro further stressed that all public servants should “rededicate themselves to their duties and ensure improved service delivery across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.”
Public servants, who have been adjusting to the remote work schedule are not pleased with the decision. However, the state government says that the end of the policy, alongside new welfare initiatives, will further improve productivity and service efficiency within Lagos’ public sector.
Aiming to ensure the message reaches all concerned, Mr. Agoro also instructed Accounting Officers to give wide publicity to the cancellation within their respective departments.
