Federal Government has directed civil servants on Grade Levels 12 and 13 as well as those on essential duties to resume full duties.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, gave the directive in a circular dated August 10, 2020.
The circular was titled “Resumption of officers on Grade Levels 12 and 13 and those on essential duties”.
Prior to this, only workers on Grade Level 14 and above were mandated to resume at their duty posts and permitted to work three days in a week, as part efforts to curtail further spread of COVID-19.
With the new development, Yemi-Esan, in the circular, stated that all workers resuming for work will henceforth work from Monday to Friday and from 8 am to 4 pm.
She wrote;
Following Mr President’s approval of the recommendation of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, officers on Grade Levels 12 and 13, and those on essential services are hereby directed to be in the office every working day (Monday to Friday) with effect from Monday, August 10, 2020.
Also, the officers and those affected by earlier circulars on resumption of duty are now to resume by 8 am and close by 4 pm daily.
Yemi-Esan added;
Permanent Secretaries/Chief Executive Officers are to define the officers performing essential services in their Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
However, in doing so, consideration must be given to the health implication of the number to recall for duties in the light of the extant guidelines on the measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
As they resume work daily, Yemi-Esan asked the officers to ensure full compliance with the directives and advice on the COVID-19 pandemic preventive measures, including maintenance of physical distancing, regular washing and/or sanitising of hands and wearing of face masks.
The Head of Civil Service added that efforts should be made to avoid overcrowding in individual offices, stressing;
Where the number of staff resuming work is large, Permanent Secretaries/Chief Executive Officers should consider the option of duty rosters.
