In a significant move to alleviate the economic burden on its workforce, the Ogun State Government has officially approved a weekly day off duty and a N10,000 transport allowance for state workers. This decision comes as a direct response to the recent increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, which has led to a sharp rise in the cost of living and transportation across the state.
Details of the New Policy
The announcement was made by the state's Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, in a statement released from Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State. According to Onasanya, the administration under Governor Dapo Abiodun implemented these measures to provide immediate relief to workers grappling with the financial strain caused by the petrol price hike.
The weekly day off duty, however, will not apply to essential duty workers. This exemption includes medical personnel, judicial and security staff, teachers, and heads of departments. Despite this, all eligible workers, including those in essential roles, will benefit from the N10,000 transport allowance, ensuring that no one is left out of the palliative support.
Implementation and Coordination
To ensure smooth service delivery and avoid disruptions, accounting officers in various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have been tasked with deciding the specific day off for eligible workers. This decentralized approach allows for flexibility and adaptability across different sectors of the state's public service.
Onasanya emphasized that the government's priority is to balance worker welfare with the continuous provision of essential services to the public. The transport allowance is expected to help offset the increased costs associated with commuting, thereby improving the overall well-being and productivity of the workforce.
Lagos State's Parallel Commitment
In a related development, the Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its dedication to human capital development and industrial harmony. Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Lagos State Public Service Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) meeting, Head of Service Bode Agoro described a motivated workforce as the cornerstone of sustainable governance and economic growth.
Agoro highlighted that the reconvening of the Council reflects a shared commitment to accountability and the strengthening of established processes. He reassured labour leaders that the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu remains steadfast in promoting staff welfare, albeit within the constraints of available resources.
Government and Union Partnership
Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, characterized the relationship between the government and trade unions as a "partnership" rather than a "battleground." He noted that the ministry is proactively addressing the pressures of the current economic climate through continuous dialogue and aggressive capacity building initiatives.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Establishments and Training, Olubusola Abidakun, who chaired the Council, expressed her satisfaction with the meeting's reconvening, stating that constructive dialogue is always preferable. She reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to fostering a conducive work environment, adding that the resolutions from this Council meeting would further strengthen government-labour relations and support the effective implementation of the state's T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.
However, Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Michael Domingo, pointed out that the Council's meeting was not merely a formality but a crucial opportunity to address the challenges facing the workforce. He stressed that workers' welfare remains a key priority, underscoring the importance of ongoing discussions and collaborative efforts between the government and labour representatives.
