Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwolu has said that Lagos State civil servants from Level 1 to 14 will come to work physically three times a week and work virtually for the two other days to ease economic hardship in the state as Nigerians lament the high cost of living across the country.
“We want to start with our public servants, immediately from next week, Civil servants from the lower level will be working like three times a week and level 15-17 can work four times in a week,” Sanwo-Olu said on Thursday during a media chat on economic hardship.
The governor also announced a 25% reduction on all public transportation in the state.
“Not that any form of government will be shut down; it will be all calendarised and it will be schedule,”he added.
“Level 15 to 17 will miss work a day. What are we trying to achieve? We are seeking to achieve a process whereby people will even slow down and reduce the pressure on the work environment.”
“We will open Sunday Markets in at least 42 identified markets across Lagos State. You will be able to buy food items at a discounted price. You will only be able to buy items worth up to N25,000,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu said the state government does not want a “charged, aggravated workforce” hence the option of a hybrid work schedule to reduce the number of days workers come to work physically.
The governor also said his administration is constructing four food hubs to ensure food distribution in tackling rising food prices.
“Coupled with the one at Idi-Oro in Mushin, four more food hubs are under construction and 7 other locations in other local governments have also been identified for more food hubs to be developed,” Sanwo-Olu said.
According to Sanwolu, the 25% reduction on transport services will start this weekend for the State Public Transport system (BRT, Train, Ferry). He said the measures announced will reduce economic pressure on the workers.
Furthermore, Sanwo-Olu announced a free delivery for pregnant residents across all government-owned hospitals in Lagos.
“There is an arrangement for free delivery including cesarean session at government hospitals,” he said.
On rising cost of drugs and other pharmaceutical products, the governor promised that his administration “will also give rebate on some particular drugs at our state government hospitals”.
The governor noted that his administration was also in discussions with various transport unions to reduce their fares.
“First is to express empathy with our citizens, We are not unmindful of the situation, as leaders, we must be able to solve socioeconomic problems,” Sanwo-Olu said.
In the las few weeks, there have been massive protest in several states across the country including Ogun, Oyo, Kano, Niger states over the hardship experienced in the country as Nigerians lament food inflation, high cost of living, amid rising cost of petrol and forex crisis.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
