Two Days Off Work: A Solution or a Quick Fix for Fuel Subsidy Removal?

Recently, Lagos and Ogun State governments approved two days off work for civil servants in response to the removal of the fuel subsidy. This decision, while seemingly considerate, raises significant questions about its sustainability and long-term impact. Is this the right way forward, or just a short-term patch on a deeper issue? And more critically, what happens if the price of fuel continues to rise?

### A Temporary Solution

The subsidy removal has undeniably led to a sharp increase in the cost of fuel, significantly affecting transportation expenses. Many workers, especially civil servants, have struggled to commute daily under these new conditions. The decision to allow two days off work or the option of remote work was, in part, designed to ease this burden. It recognizes the economic difficulties faced by employees and offers temporary relief by reducing the number of days they need to commute.

However, while this may reduce transport costs, it also presents its challenges. For many jobs, especially in government sectors, being physically present is essential for effective service delivery. The expectation that civil servants can work efficiently from home may not hold for everyone, especially given the infrastructure limitations in Nigeria, such as unreliable electricity and internet connectivity. This policy, although well-intentioned, doesn't address the fundamental issue: the rising cost of living and its impact on the workforce.

### What Happens if Fuel Prices Rise Again?

The lingering question is, what happens next? If fuel prices continue to rise, will the solution be to give workers even more days off or have them work entirely from home? At what point does this become counterproductive?

The danger is that such a strategy does not address the root problem. A hike in fuel prices affects much more than just transportation; it impacts the cost of goods and services, inflation, and overall economic stability. Continuous price hikes would push more people to the brink of poverty and force governments to adopt even more extreme measures. If work-from-home becomes the norm to cope with transportation costs, productivity in sectors that rely on physical presence could decline, and service delivery could suffer.

Moreover, most Nigerian workers, particularly those in the informal sector or jobs that cannot be done remotely, won’t benefit from this solution. This creates an uneven playing field, where only those in certain job categories have the flexibility to cope, leaving the most vulnerable even more disadvantaged.

### The Larger Economic Impact

Allowing two days off work is a band-aid solution to a much larger issue. Fuel subsidy removal was always going to have far-reaching consequences, but without adequate cushioning, the impact is hitting Nigerians hard. Inflation, rising food costs, and transportation challenges are now the reality for most citizens. These two days off do little to mitigate the broader economic struggles that people face daily.

In the long term, the Nigerian government must look beyond such temporary measures and seek sustainable solutions to address the fallout from the subsidy removal. 

### Conclusion

While two days off work may offer some relief in the short term, it is not a sustainable solution to the challenges posed by the removal of the fuel subsidy. If fuel prices rise again, governments cannot simply continue to cut workdays or expect workers to adapt by working from home. A more holistic and long-term approach is needed—one that addresses the root causes of economic hardship and ensures that all Nigerians, not just civil servants, can cope with the changes.