Fuel Subsidy Removal: Edo govt returns to five working days for civil, public servants

*_…directs workers, residents to take advantage of free bus scheme_*

The Edo State Government has reversed its directive that reduced working days from five days to three days for civil and public servants following the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government.

The State government had in June empathized with Edo people in the wake of the rise in prices of goods and services as well as the overall cost of living occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal, by initiating the three-day-a-week work policy and other measures to ameliorate the sufferings faced by the people.

In a circular dated September 29, 2023, and signed by the Permanent Secretary, General Services, for the Head of Service, Mrs. Priscillia Aziegbemhin, the government said the decision to reverse to five work days a week is in view of the fact that the State Government has put in place measures to alleviate the transport plight of Edo residents occasioned by the hike in the price of petroleum products.

The circular reads: “I am directed to refer to the above subject and to convey the decision of the State Government to bring to an end the implementation of the three-day weekly work schedule for Civil/Public Servants across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“This decision is in view of the fact that the State Government has put in place measures to alleviate the transport plight of Edo residents occasioned by the hike in the price of petroleum products. It is expected that every Civil/Public Servant should take advantage of these measures.”

It further added, “In view of the foregoing, all Civil/Public Servants are by this Circular directed to resume for work every work day of the week with effect from Tuesday 3rd October, 2023.”

The State Government had on September 11 commenced a free bus ride scheme through its State owned transport service provider (ECTS), covering both intra and inter - city routes.

It is a welcome development.Now there is free transportation civil servants can go to work with ease...