High Cost of Living: Lagos State Civil Servants Will Work Three Days A Week

As part of efforts to lessen the nation’s cost of living crisis, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced on Thursday that his administration will be cutting back on the number of working days for public employees.

During the continuing media debate on economic hardship, Sanwo-Olu stated, “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.”

He went on to say that his administration would create more markets where Lagosians could purchase food at reduced prices in response to the growing cost of food.

“We will launch Sunday Markets in at least 42 designated markets around the state of Lagos. Food items will be available for purchase at a reduced cost. The governor declared, “You will only be allowed to purchase goods up to N25,000.”

In an effort to combat rising food prices, the governor said his administration was also building four food hubs to guarantee food distribution.

Four more food centers are currently being built in addition to the one at Idi-Oro in Mushin, and seven further places in other local governments have also been selected for the development of additional food hubs, according to Sanwo-Olu.

He also mentioned that the State Public Transport system’s (BRT, Train, Ferry) 25% service decrease will begin this weekend.

Additionally, Sanwo-Olu said that all government-owned hospitals in Lagos would provide free deliveries to people who are pregnant.

“Provision is being made for free delivery, including cesarean sections, at government hospitals,” he stated.

The governor pledged that his administration “will also give rebate on some particular drugs at our state government hospitals” in response to the growing costs of pharmaceuticals and other items.

The governor announced that in an effort to lower fares, his administration was also in talks with a number of transportation unions.

Sanwo-Olu stated, “The first is to show empathy with our citizens. We are not unaware of the situation, and as leaders, we must be able to solve socioeconomic problems.”

He also issued a challenge to the commercial sector, asking them to consider how they could mimic their role during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to better serve the public.