The Kebbi State Government has threatened disciplinary action against civil servants who arrive late to work, warning that neither seniority nor official position will shield erring employees from sanctions.
The state Head of Service, Malami Shekare, gave the warning on Monday during an inspection of workers’ attendance at the Kebbi State Secretariat in Birnin Kebbi.
Accompanied by some permanent secretaries, Shekare monitored workers’ arrival times and expressed dissatisfaction with the failure of some employees, including senior officials, to resume at the approved time.
He described punctuality as a core responsibility of every public servant and said the government would no longer overlook indiscipline and negligence that hinder productivity and effective service delivery.
“Adherence to official working hours is a fundamental obligation of every public servant, regardless of rank or position,” he said.
Shekare explained that habitual lateness reduces efficiency, erodes workplace discipline and delays the delivery of government services to the public.
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He noted that the civil service was central to implementing government policies and programmes, stressing that public officers must demonstrate professionalism, commitment and accountability in carrying out their responsibilities.
The Head of Service warned that the administration would not tolerate misconduct capable of weakening the performance and effectiveness of the state civil service.
“The monitoring exercise is not merely a routine activity but part of a deliberate effort to restore and sustain discipline, strengthen accountability and ensure that public servants give their best in serving the people of Kebbi State,” he said.
He urged civil servants to heed the warning, observe approved working hours and comply with established public service regulations.
Shekare also stressed that disciplinary measures would apply to all defaulting officers, regardless of their rank or position.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Ahmed Idris, the exercise formed part of Governor Nasir Idris’s efforts to establish a disciplined, responsive and performance-driven civil service.
The statement reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting punctuality, professionalism and improved service delivery across the public sector.