The holiday cheer seems to have lingered a little too long for some civil servants in Oyo State. As offices reopened after the Christmas and Boxing Day break, a noticeable number of desks were left empty. This has sparked questions about why so many workers are yet to return to their duties.
Key Points at a Glance:
- Low turnout at Oyo State and Federal secretariats post-holiday.
- Workers cite travel delays and high transport costs.
- Some workers were paid before the holidays, enabling travel.
- Officials say some staff may have obtained official leave.
- Some civil servants used the holiday to rest.
Empty Offices Across Ibadan
A visit to both the federal and state secretariats in Ikolaba and Agodi on Friday revealed a less-than-full workforce. Many civil servants were noticeably absent, raising eyebrows and sparking conversations among those who did make it back to work.
Why the Low Turnout?
Several reasons are being cited for the low return rate. Some workers mentioned that they had traveled out of Ibadan for the holidays and were still making their way back. One federal worker, Mr. Jacob Boboye, suggested that many employees would wait until Sunday to return, maximizing their time with family.
Adding to the issue, Mrs. Aminat Yusuf, another civil servant, pointed to the significant increase in transport fares as a major factor. She mentioned that some of her colleagues had called to report that the high cost of travel was delaying their return to work.
Official Explanations
Mr. Gabriel Adeji from the state secretariat, however, offered another perspective. He stated that some of those absent might have taken official leave, suggesting there may be legitimate reasons behind some of the absences. He emphasized that no civil servant would be missing without a valid explanation.
Positive Notes Amidst the Absence
Despite the low turnout, there were some positive sentiments. Mrs. Bola Adunola of the state civil service mentioned that she was well-rested from the holiday and eager to get back to work. She also encouraged her colleagues to do their best on their jobs.
Looking Ahead
The situation raises questions about the impact on government operations and service delivery. While some workers are slowly trickling back to their desks, it remains to be seen when the offices will be operating at full capacity. For now, the mystery of the missing civil servants continues.
Side Note: It’s worth noting that Nigeria’s civil service has often been critiqued for inefficiency and low productivity. While this situation might just be post-holiday blues, it does highlight the challenges within the sector. Also, transportation costs within Nigeria have been a hot topic, especially during holiday seasons.
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