By Nnenna Ibeh

In an effort to address economic challenges and improve efficiency among civil servants in Nigeria, two state governors have announced a reduction in work days. 

The governments of Edo and Kwara states took this decision as part of their strategies to alleviate the residents’ stress following the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu during his swearing-in ceremony.

In his inaugural speech at the Eagles Square in Abuja, the newly sworn-in president said, “Subsidy is gone,” causing a hike in the price of fuel and other commodities.

Both states have transitioned from the traditional five-day workweek to a three-day workweek, effectively reducing the number of working hours for government employees. 

The Kwara state Head of Service, Susan Oluwole, in an announcement on Monday, June 5, confirmed that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazak directed the reduction in work days from five days to three days a week for all state-employed workers.

Need for implementation of reduced work days in states

In Edo state, Governor Godwin Obaseki, on Tuesday, June 6, said the measure is part of the state government’s effort to ameliorate the sufferings of residents.

A statement by the governor said: “In the wake of fuel subsidy removal by the federal government, fuel prices have increased astronomically, leading to rise in prices of goods and services and overall cost of living.

“The Edo State Government shares the pains of our people and wants to assure everyone that we are standing with them in these very challenging times.”

This innovative approach by both state governments is expected to have several positive outcomes, such as decreased stress levels, increased employee engagement, improved mental well-being, and enhanced work productivity during the designated working days.

As pioneers in this progressive initiative, Edo and Kwara states hope to inspire other regions and organizations to prioritize the well-being and work-life balance of their employees.