Hardship Overshadows Festivity As Civil Servants Resume Duty
Early Resumption Signals Changing Festive Patterns
CIVIL servants in Abuja resumed work on Monday following the two-day public holiday declared by the Federal Government to mark the Eid-El-Fitr celebration, with a noticeably higher turnout recorded across offices at the Federal Secretariat.
A survey conducted in key government offices revealed that more workers reported early for duty compared to previous years, a trend many attributed to worsening economic realities that limited their ability to fully participate in the festivities.
Rising Costs Limit Travel Plans
For many workers, the traditional post-Sallah return to work was shaped less by enthusiasm and more by necessity. Mr. Wahip Isah, a civil servant, explained that the rising cost of transportation prevented him from travelling to celebrate with his family.
“The hardship is biting harder than before,” he said. “Our salaries barely cover basic needs, let alone travel expenses during festive periods. That is why many of us had no choice but to remain in Abuja and return to work immediately.”
His experience reflects a broader trend among workers who now prioritise financial survival over cultural and family obligations during festive seasons.
Festive Leave Becomes a Luxury
Hajiya Maryam Usman echoed similar concerns, noting that what was once a routine practice—taking leave during celebrations—has become increasingly difficult.
“I usually take time off to visit relatives during Sallah, but this year was different,” she said. “The economic situation made it impossible. Staying at home without travelling didn’t make sense, so I resumed work early.”
Observers say this shift underscores how economic hardship is gradually reshaping social and cultural behaviours among Nigeria’s working class.
Delayed Salaries Deepen Struggles
Beyond transport costs, irregular salary payments have compounded the challenges faced by civil servants. Mrs. Awa Hamza said delays in salary disbursement disrupted her plans for the celebration.
“I had hoped salaries would be paid before the holiday,” she said. “But with the delay and the rising cost of living, travelling became unrealistic. The situation is particularly tough for those of us working in urban centres.”
Analysts note that timely salary payments remain critical to sustaining morale and economic participation among public sector workers.
Calls for Government Intervention
Workers are now calling on the Federal Government to introduce measures to ease the burden, particularly in the area of transportation.
Mr. Emmanuel Joseph highlighted the limitations of the government’s CNG bus initiative, describing it as insufficient to meet the needs of Abuja’s growing workforce.
“The introduction of CNG buses is commendable, but they are too few,” he said. “Most workers still depend on expensive private transport. This is affecting productivity and overall well-being.”
He urged authorities to expand affordable transport options and implement policies that would cushion the effects of inflation on civil servants.
A Reflection of Broader Economic Pressures
The increased turnout at workplaces immediately after the Sallah holiday offers a telling snapshot of the broader economic pressures facing Nigerians. As inflation and living costs continue to rise, many workers are forced to make difficult choices, often sacrificing traditional celebrations for financial stability.
