The Nigerian government has charged civil servants on grade level 12 and below to work from home, amid the spike in COVID-19 cases.

Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of Civil Service said civil servants within the cadre should keep working from home till the end of February.

Yemi-Esan’s directive was contained in a circular dated January 26, and addressed to the offices of the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, clerk of the National Assembly, Permanent Secretaries.

She explained that the directive was part of efforts to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

The circular reads: “Further to the Circular, No. HCSF/3065/Vol.1/47 dated 22nd December 2020, on the above subject; and following the advice of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, all officers on GL 12 and below are to continue working from home till end of February, 2021.

“It is important to emphasise the need to ensure strict compliance with the existing guidelines on the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.

“Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executive Officers are enjoined to bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all concerned and ensure compliance.”