The Kebbi State Government has reminded workers in the state civil service that they are required to resume work by 8:00 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday, warning that habitual lateness and unauthorised absence would not be tolerated.
The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Head of the Civil Service, Malami Shekare, on September 23, 2026, through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, Cabinet Office, Birnin Kebbi.
According to the circular, the government took the step after noticing that some public servants were arriving at their workplaces late or leaving their duty stations without notifying or obtaining approval from the relevant authorities.
Shekare said, “The approved official working hours for the State Civil Service are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and all civil servants are expected to strictly adhere to them.”
He explained that the stipulated schedule is backed by Chapter 13, Section 4, Sub-section 140122 of the 2021 edition of the Public Service Rules.
The Head of Service instructed workers to ensure they are present at their assigned offices on time and observe the approved schedule.
He specifically directed civil servants to “be punctual at their duty posts and comply strictly with the approved working hours.”
Shekare also stated that workers who would be late or unable to report for duty must notify the relevant authority and obtain the necessary approval beforehand.
“Any absence from duty or lateness must be officially communicated to, and approved by, the appropriate authority,” he said.
He further tasked the heads of ministries, departments and agencies with communicating the directive to their personnel and ensuring that it is fully implemented.
The circular was sent to the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Director of the Deputy Governor’s Office, Secretary to the State Government, commissioners, permanent secretaries, as well as heads of commissions, boards and other government parastatals.
