Airtel directs staff to work from home until May 31

Airtel Nigeria says it has extended its work-from-home policy by two weeks to safeguard staff from contracting coronavirus and stem the spread of the virus.

Segun Ogunsanya, Airtel chief executive officer, said the affected employees are those residing in Lagos, Ogun State and Abuja, the epicentres of COVID-19 infections in Nigeria.

“They have been told to continue to work from home until the end of May,” he said in a statement on Saturday.

Ogunsanya urged employees in other parts of the country to observe the nationwide 8pm to 6am curfew while adhering to restriction orders obtainable in their states of operation.

“All employees have been charged to take responsibility for their health and safety as well as that of their families and colleagues, by maintaining social distancing, observing the prescribed hygiene protocols and wearing the appropriate face masks,” he said.

“I want to commend all employees for their strict compliance with the prescribed safety and hygiene measures which has resulted in zero-infection in Airtel.

“I prayed that God continues to protect them all and their loved ones.”

According to Ogunsanya, some Airtel outlets are open across the country with a reduced number of employees in compliance with government regulations.

Ogunsanya said that all agents had been charged to ensure contactless interactions whenever possible as they served customers.

He also urged customers to download the Airtel self-care app to avail themselves self-care in problem resolutions.

Ogunsanya said the company would review the situation at the end of the month to determine the next steps with regard to the resumption of work at their offices.