Yobe State Warns Public Servants Against Lateness and Absenteeism

The Yobe State Government has issued a strict warning to public servants regarding issues of habitual lateness, unauthorized early departures, and absenteeism. This initiative aims to enhance discipline and service quality within the state’s public service sector.

The warning was documented in a circular signed by the Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa Shehu, and disseminated on Tuesday from the Office of the Head of Service. It follows unscheduled inspections of various Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Parastatals, which revealed a troubling rise in absenteeism and tardiness among staff, as well as early departures before official work hours.

The government emphasizes that these behaviors constitute serious misconduct, detrimental to discipline, productivity, and professionalism within the Yobe State Public Service. The circular stated, “Every public servant is required to observe official working hours, maintain regular attendance, and discharge assigned responsibilities with diligence, commitment, and integrity.”

Non-compliance will be regarded as a breach of Yobe State Public Service Rules PSR 044001 (iii) concerning attendance and discipline, potentially leading to disciplinary action.

To enforce this directive, the Head of Service has mandated all Permanent Secretaries, Accounting Officers, and Chief Executives of MDAs to monitor employee attendance and punctuality rigorously. They must maintain accurate records and submit monthly reports to the Office of the Head of Service within the first seven days of the subsequent month.

Additionally, heads of MDAs are instructed to promptly initiate disciplinary measures against any staff member found guilty of absenteeism, habitual lateness, or unauthorized early departures, in accordance with Public Service Rules.

The Office of the Head of Service has indicated that adherence to this directive will be closely monitored and that heads of MDAs will be held responsible for any lapses in implementation. The state government reaffirms its commitment to fostering a disciplined, efficient, and service-oriented public service and urges all civil servants to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, punctuality, and dedication in their work.