After surprise visit to offices, Yobe govt issues stern warning to workers

Yobe State Government has issued a stern warning to public servants against habitual lateness, absconding from duty, and unauthorised early departure from duty.

The warring forms part of the government’s efforts to restore discipline and improve service delivery across the state.

The warning was contained in a circular signed by the Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa Shehu, and released by the Office of the Head of Service on Tuesday.

According to the circular, the directive followed unscheduled inspection visits to Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Parastatals, where teams observed rising cases of absenteeism, persistent lateness, and workers leaving before official closing hours.

The government described the acts as serious misconduct that undermines discipline, reduces productivity, and erodes professionalism in the Yobe State Public Service.

“Every public servant is required to observe official working hours, maintain regular attendance, and discharge assigned responsibilities with diligence, commitment, and integrity,” the circular stated.

It noted that failure to comply amounts to a violation of Yobe State Public Service Rules PSR 044001 (iii) on attendance and discipline, and would attract appropriate disciplinary measures.

To ensure compliance, the Head of Service directed all Permanent Secretaries, Accounting Officers, and Chief Executives of MDAs to strictly monitor staff attendance and punctuality, keep accurate records, and submit monthly reports to the Office of the Head of Service not later than seven days into the following month.

Heads of MDAs were also mandated to immediately initiate disciplinary proceedings against any officer found guilty of abscondment, habitual lateness, or unauthorised early departure, in line with Public Service Rules.

The Office of the Head of Service warned that enforcement of the directive would be closely monitored and that heads of MDAs would be held accountable for any failure to implement it.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to building a disciplined, efficient, accountable, and service-oriented public service, and urged all civil servants to uphold professionalism, integrity, punctuality, and dedication in their duties.

After surprise visit to offices, Yobe govt issues stern warning to workers