Lagos asks civil servants not to resume on Monday

The Lagos state government has asked all civil servants to stay away from work on May 4.

The state government had earlier directed some government offices and establishments to re-open on Monday.

During a briefing on Sunday, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of the state, said the delayed resumption of the state’s workforce is a “deliberate attempt” to prevent a development that may lead to overcrowding at public places and on the roads.

The governor said only emergency workers and those on essential duties will be allowed to work on Monday.

He said government offices would be re-opened for business on Tuesday, but only officers from grade level 15 and above would be required to be at the office.

“In amending the work guidelines earlier issued, which stopped members of the public service from Grade Level 1 to 12 from going to work; we have had to review this position and we are extending the directive to all civil servants, regardless of level. All civil servants must stay away from work on Monday,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“On Tuesday, only officers from Grade Level 15 and above have express permission to come to work. All other essential officers that may need to be at work will be informed by the Accounting Officer of each Ministry as may be required.

“From Monday on, there will be curfew from 8pm to 6am and all movement within these hours are prohibited, except for people on essential services, which are agro-products, petroleum products, relief materials, and food supplies.

“We want to use this as a demonstration of our commitment to the gradual easing of the lockdown. We do not want people to rush out tomorrow and see the easing of the lockdown as an attempt to believe that the spread of the pandemic is all over.”

He also said all markets will be opened for three days weekly. Food markets across the state are to be opened only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9am to 3pm.

Non-food markets would open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays within the stipulated hours. He said all traders must put on a face mask and provide hand sanitizers at their shops.

Owing to Ramadan, Sanwo-Olu, however, extended the operating hours for eateries and restaurants from 9am to 7pm.

The governor asked privately-owned companies and manufacturing firms to arrange for the transportation of their essential workers.

He also asked residents to report any erring company to the government.