Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced several measures aimed at alleviating the ongoing economic challenges facing residents during a media chat with journalists on Thursday.

These measures, which range from reduced workweeks for civil servants to subsidised food programmes, are intended to provide immediate relief to residents.

Hybrid work model
Governor Sanwo-Olu announced the implementation of a revised work schedule for civil servants in Lagos State.

To ensure continuity in governance, civil servants from levels 1 to 14 will now report to their respective offices three days a week, while those in higher positions, from levels 15 to 17, will be required to be present at their offices four days a week.

“From next week, we are working out a plan where civil servants from levels 1 to 14 will come to the office a maximum of three times in a week,” the governor said.

“Not that all forms of government will be shut down. It will be calendarised and scheduled. Those on levels 15 to 17 will miss work for one day.”

He explained that the three-day workweek aims to alleviate the pressure on transportation infrastructure and reduce the economic burden on citizens.

“You don’t have to put pressure on the road. You don’t have to be on the road for three hours trying to get home at night. So you can plan better. You can also reduce the economic pressure,” he stated.

The education sector was not neglected either. Sanwo-Olu assured that schools would continue operating five days a week, with additional transport support provided for teachers to ensure they could reach their classrooms.

Pension payment
Governor Sanwo-Olu also announced that the state government committed to ensuring timely payment of pensions to retired civil servants in the state.

He stated that retirees should expect to receive their checks within a month of their retirement.

Public transportation fee slashed by 25%
Further easing the financial strain on residents, the governor announced a 25% reduction in all public transportation costs across BRT, trains, and ferry services.

Food palliatives
The governor outlined a comprehensive food distribution plan, noting that the state expects 100 trucks of rice and plans to distribute combo packs of essential items (rice, garri, beans, etc.) to 300,000 households.

Sanwo-olu noted that some people have been mandated to ensure the supervision and distribution of food palliatives to those who need them most.

He added that Sunday markets offering discounted food staples will open in 42 locations across the state for the next five weeks.

The governor explained that all food purchases (not for single food items but combination) would be capped at N25,000 while customers would enjoy a 25% instant rebate.

Additionally, free meals will be provided to 1,000-1,500 individuals daily across the state for 30-60 days.

Healthcare support
To address healthcare concerns, the Governor announced free child delivery across all 31 general hospitals, either through a normal birth or a caesarean section.

For the next three months, all six health districts across the state will commence free health checks for residents, prescribe drugs, and ensure recommended diagnosis. He said this would run for two days weekly.

He also disclosed that the government is working towards providing a rebate on some drugs, including hypertensive and diabetic drugs.

Mama Put programme
The Governor unveiled a “Mama Put” programme employing 1,000 caterers across local governments to provide daily meals to those in need, stating that beneficiaries will receive vouchers for access.

“We will open soup kitchens/bowls where identified caterers (mama put) at least 1,000, will be employed across local government areas to feed those who need it, once daily.

“Beneficiaries will get vouchers to be able to access the kitchens. We will also be having food purchases and redistribution to people who need it, especially as we are currently expecting about 100 trailer loads of rice and grains.”

State police
Sanwo-Olu reiterated his strong support for the creation of state police, claiming the state can deploy 10,000 personnel immediately upon legal approval by the federal government.

“I am an advocate for it. I believe we needed it like yesterday. And the interesting thing is that we have the Neighborhood Watch and it is still functional, about 6,000 of them. The good news is that I have given approval for us to recruit additional 4,000 of them. And this is job for our youths, our able-bodied men.

“What that means for me is that if they give approval for state police, I have 10,000 men that I can further train and get them ready and these are people that know the entire community, the nooks and crannies.”