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The Anambra State Government has announced plans to introduce pro-rata salary payments for civil servants as part of renewed efforts to end the long-running Monday sit-at-home across the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, disclosed the decision to journalists in Awka on Saturday, saying the policy would take effect from February 2026.
According to him, the measure was approved during the end-of-tenure retreat of the Anambra State Executive Council, where the administration reviewed its four-year performance and outlined priorities ahead of the next term beginning March 17.
Mefor said public sector absenteeism on Mondays had persisted for years, initially due to insecurity and transportation challenges, but noted that those concerns had largely been addressed.
He explained that the continued absence of workers was no longer justifiable, adding that many civil servants had taken advantage of the sit-at-home while still receiving full salaries.
The commissioner said the government had opted for salary deductions rather than disciplinary sanctions, noting that, under civil service regulations, persistent absenteeism could lead to dismissal.
Under the new arrangement, workers who fail to report for duty on Mondays will have their salaries adjusted accordingly. He said systems were being put in place to monitor attendance, including clock-in and clock-out procedures.
Mefor warned that the sit-at-home had significantly affected government productivity and revenue generation, particularly in revenue-earning agencies and ministries.
He said the decision was aimed at ensuring fairness and accountability in public spending, stressing that the state could not afford to pay for work not done.
The commissioner added that discussions were ongoing with market leaders to encourage the reopening of markets on Mondays, while security measures were being strengthened to reassure traders and residents.
Explaining the computation method, Mefor said monthly salaries would be divided by the official 24 working days to determine daily earnings.
He described the economic impact of the sit-at-home as enormous, citing estimates that place the losses at trillions of naira since its inception.
Meanwhile, the state government has also directed public schools to resume full activities on Mondays, warning that teachers and non-teaching staff who fail to comply risk salary deductions or forfeiture.
