Yobe cracks down on absenteeism, lateness in civil service
By Maryam Abdul-Aziz Usman
The Yobe State Government has warned public servants against abscondment from duty, habitual lateness and unauthorised early departure from the workplace, declaring that offenders will face disciplinary action in line with the Yobe State Public Service Rules.
The warning followed an unscheduled inspection of selected Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by a team from the Office of the Head of Service to assess workers’ compliance with official working hours.
The inspection revealed cases of absenteeism, late resumption and workers leaving their duty posts before the official closing time.
In an official circular issued by the Office of the Head of Service, the government directed Permanent Secretaries, Directors-General and heads of government establishments to ensure strict compliance with the state’s Public Service Rules, stressing that every public servant is expected to remain at his or her duty post throughout official working hours.
Speaking on the development, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Alhaji Hamidu Isa Babi, said the government would intensify monitoring across ministries and agencies to ensure that public servants uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and dedication.
”The Office of the Head of Service will continue to monitor attendance across Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure that all public servants adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and dedication. Officers are expected to report to work on time and remain at their duty posts throughout official working hours,” he said.
During a brief interview after the inspection, the Yobe State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa Shehu, commended the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Hajiya Salamatu Yahaya, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Idris Yusuf Madaki, for being at their duty posts when the inspection team visited their ministries.
”I am pleased to see these Permanent Secretaries at their duty posts carrying out their responsibilities. Their presence demonstrates commitment to service and sets the right example for other public servants. Leadership is about leading by example, and I encourage all heads of MDAs to continue promoting discipline, accountability and dedication in the civil service,” he said.
Some civil servants, however, attributed cases of lateness and absenteeism to transportation challenges.
One of the workers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, appealed to the state government to introduce soft loan schemes to enable workers acquire motorcycles or vehicles.
”Many workers struggle with transportation, especially those who live far from their places of work. If the government can introduce softer loan schemes, it will enable workers to acquire motorcycles or vehicles. That will go a long way in improving punctuality and attendance,” the worker said.
Another civil servant called for stricter enforcement of discipline, urging the government to empower heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies to sanction erring workers without external interference.
”The government should give Permanent Secretaries, Directors and heads of MDAs the authority to discipline workers who violate the rules without interference from anyone. Nepotism should also be discouraged so that everyone is treated equally and discipline is enforced fairly across the civil service,” the worker said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Hajiya Salamatu Yahaya, described the inspection as a welcome initiative that would strengthen discipline and improve service delivery across the state.
”The Head of Service’s visit sends a clear message that discipline and commitment remain the foundation of an effective public service. I encourage senior managers, heads of departments, parents and all civil servants to embrace punctuality, integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their duties,” she said.
The Yobe State Government reiterated its commitment to building an efficient, disciplined and accountable civil service, warning that any public servant found violating attendance regulations or official working hours would be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the state’s Public Service Rules.
