In response to the recent hike in fuel prices, the Lagos State Government has announced an extension of its flexible work-from-home initiative for an additional three months.
This directive, which aims to alleviate the financial burden on workers, was contained in a circular signed by the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, on Wednesday.
The work-from-home policy, originally introduced by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in February 2024, will now continue until December.
It is targeted at easing the challenges posed by rising transportation costs, allowing public servants to maintain productivity while reducing the need for frequent commuting.
Under the extended policy, Lagos State civil servants in grade levels 01 to 14 will be allowed to work remotely for two days per week, while those in grade levels 15 to 17 will work from home for one day per week. The initiative took effect from September 4, 2024, and will last for three months.
The state government noted that this initiative is part of broader efforts to mitigate the impact of increased fuel costs, which have strained the budgets of many households across the country.
By enabling workers to operate from home on designated days, the government hopes to not only ease financial pressure but also boost employee morale and overall productivity.
In the circular, Mr. Agoro stated, “The decision was made to ensure that workers can perform their duties effectively without bearing the full brunt of the increased fuel prices. We are committed to supporting our workforce during this period of economic difficulty.”
This initiative complements other measures by the Lagos State Government to address the challenges of inflation and rising living costs.
Workers and civil society groups have expressed appreciation for the state’s responsive approach while calling for similar actions to be considered at the national level.
As the extension progresses, the government will assess its impact on both employees and overall productivity, ensuring that the policy continues to meet its objectives while balancing the needs of the state’s workforce.
INN-HOUSE☆ 