The Lagos State Government has officially announced the termination of its remote work policy for public servants, effective March 31, 2025. The policy, initially introduced to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal and rising transportation costs, will now be phased out as the government moves towards full in-office operations.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration implemented the remote work arrangement in mid-2023 as part of temporary relief measures to ease the financial burden on government employees following the removal of the fuel subsidy. The policy allowed certain categories of civil servants, particularly those on lower salary grades, to work from home on designated days of the week.
Announcing the decision to end the arrangement, Lagos State Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, stated, “The state government has assessed the impact of the remote work policy and, while it served its purpose during a critical period, it is now essential for all public servants to return to their workplaces full-time to enhance productivity and service delivery.”
The government cited multiple reasons for discontinuing remote work, including:
- Stabilization of Transportation Costs: With the implementation of alternative transport solutions such as the Lagos Blue and Red Rail Lines, and the deployment of more Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses, commuting costs have reportedly become more manageable for workers.
- Operational Efficiency: Some ministries and agencies reported delays in workflow and coordination challenges due to remote work arrangements.
- Improved Work Environment: The state government has made infrastructure upgrades in office spaces to accommodate all workers full-time.
The announcement has generated mixed reactions among public servants. While some employees welcome the move as a sign of stability and normalcy, others have expressed concerns about transportation costs and the impact of long commute times on productivity.
A civil servant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated, “Returning to the office full-time means additional transport costs and more hours spent in traffic. The government should consider additional incentives or transport allowances to ease the transition.”
However, some business leaders and government officials believe the decision will improve service delivery. “Physical presence in the workplace fosters teamwork and accountability,” said Tunji Bello, a former commissioner in the Lagos State Government. “Public service requires efficiency, and this move will help achieve that.”
To mitigate the impact of the transition, the Lagos State Government has announced the following measures:
- Introduction of Subsidized Transport Plans – Public servants will receive discounts on BRT buses and rail services.
- Flexible Work Hours – Adjustments may be made to reduce rush-hour congestion and improve work-life balance.
- Welfare and Salary Adjustments – Discussions are ongoing to review wages and allowances for public servants, ensuring they remain competitive amid rising living costs.
As the March 31 deadline approaches, Lagos State workers are preparing for the shift back to in-office work. The government has assured civil servants that their concerns will be addressed while emphasizing the need for a more efficient and responsive public service sector.
Observers will be watching closely to see whether this transition improves governance efficiency or sparks further debates on workplace flexibility in Nigeria’s public sector.
