Kebbi Head of Service: Kebbi Civil Service Lateness to Face Disciplinary Action

• Kebbi State Head of Service Malami Shekare issued a warning against habitual lateness to civil servants.
• The warning came after a monitoring exercise revealed widespread tardiness, including among senior officials.
• Disciplinary actions are threatened against all who violate official working hours, with no exemptions based on rank.
• Punctuality is deemed a fundamental obligation crucial for productivity and effective service delivery.
• This initiative is part of Governor Nasir Idris's administration's efforts to build a disciplined and responsive civil service.

No officer, regardless of seniority or position, would be exempt from disciplinary measures.

The Kebbi State Head of Service, Malami Shekare, has issued a stern warning to civil servants regarding persistent tardiness, indicating that stringent disciplinary actions will be taken against those who fail to adhere to official working hours. This directive follows a monitoring exercise conducted on Monday at the Kebbi State Secretariat in Birnin Kebbi, where Shekare, accompanied by several permanent secretaries, personally observed the arrival times of employees.

During the inspection, the Head of Service expressed significant dissatisfaction with the failure of numerous civil servants, including senior officials, to report for duty at the designated time. This proactive measure signals a clear intent by the state government to address the issue of Kebbi civil service lateness disciplinary action, emphasizing that such conduct will no longer be overlooked.

Shekare underscored that punctuality is an essential duty for every individual within the public service, irrespective of their rank or position. He clarified that the state government would no longer tolerate any form of indiscipline or negligence that could impede productivity and the efficient delivery of government services, aligning with broader principles of the Nigeria civil service code of conduct.

He further elaborated that habitual lateness erodes productivity, weakens the overall institutional discipline, and negatively impacts the timely provision of government services to the populace. The Head of Service stressed that all workers are expected to strictly comply with established working hours and Kebbi public service punctuality regulations, asserting that no officer, regardless of seniority or position, would be exempt from disciplinary measures.

The civil service plays a crucial role in the execution of government policies and programs, necessitating that its members demonstrate professionalism, dedication, and accountability in their official responsibilities. The government has affirmed its commitment to not condoning any acts of indiscipline that could compromise the effectiveness and efficiency of the state civil service.

According to a statement from Ahmed Idris, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, this monitoring initiative is not merely a routine check but a deliberate strategy to reinstate and uphold discipline, reinforce accountability, and ensure that public servants optimally serve the citizens of Kebbi State. This effort is integral to the Governor Nasir Idris administration discipline drive, aiming to cultivate a civil service that is disciplined, responsive, and results-oriented, thereby promoting punctuality, professionalism, and effective service delivery across the entire public sector.

Lawyers advising civil servants or compliance officers within Kebbi State government agencies should note the heightened enforcement of punctuality and disciplinary regulations. This indicates an increased risk of disciplinary proceedings for non-compliance with official working hours, necessitating a review of internal policies and proactive advice to ensure strict adherence to avoid sanctions.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH