Bayelsa civil servants to work three days a week, farm for two days

Civil servants in Bayelsa State will be working on their desks only three days a week so that they can go to farm for the remaining two days.

This was disclosed by the Government of Bayelsa State, with the directive coming by the Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission and endorsed by Governor Douye Diri.

The government says the introduction of a policy that allocates two farming days each week for civil servants is for the sake of food security.

The reduced regular work days applies to workers from Grade level 14 and below, and will begin on April 29, 2024, and last for a period of six months.

According to a circular signed by Biobelemoye Charles-Onyeama, the Bayelsa State Head of Service, the initiative is aimed at promoting agricultural activities among government employees.

“The focus is to enhance food production across the state and ensure that our workers contribute directly to food security,” Charles-Onyeama stated.

Meanwhile, essential service providers such as teachers and medical personnel are exempted from the directive to ensure that critical services remain uninterrupted.

Governor Diri expressed optimism about the positive impact of the initiative on the state’s agricultural productivity.

“By allocating dedicated time for farming, we are taking a proactive step towards self-sufficiency in food production, which is crucial for our state’s sustainability,” Governor Diri noted.