After the Christmas holidays declared by the Federal Government, civil servants in Jigawa State have continued to stay away from work, refusing to resume their duties.

A visit by Vistanaij Media to the State Secretariat and other government agency offices revealed that most civil servants did not report for work as of Wednesday.

The Federal Government had declared Monday and Tuesday as work-free days to commemorate Christmas.

It was evident that even the usually bustling Kiyawa Road was deserted compared to regular working days.

Several restaurants were either closed or operating with reduced services.

Khadija, a restaurant owner, explained that such situations were normal when there was a break in the middle of the week. She stated that the restaurant usually operates with limited services during such periods because most civil servants have traveled and may not return until the following week.

Malam Musa, a civil servant, expressed that when public holidays fall in the middle of the week, the entire week becomes paralyzed as most civil servants may not return until the following week. He highlighted the high cost of transportation and the lack of meaningful tasks upon resumption.

“People are facing hardships, and the government has not taken any steps to alleviate the suffering. There is no minimum wage, no wage award, and no palliative measures,” the civil servant added.