By Our Correspondent
National News – The Anambra State Government has commenced a disciplinary probe of civil servants accused of lateness and absenteeism in the state public service following an unscheduled inspection visit by Governor Chukwuma Soludo in March 2026 at the State Secretariat, Awka, where more than 90 percent of workers were reportedly absent from duty posts.
The move aims to restore discipline, improve productivity, and enforce compliance with public service rules.
On Friday, April 17, 2026, the Special Disciplinary Committee on Violation of Public Service Rules, 2021, chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Nkiru Nwankwo, began hearing affected workers at the State Secretariat Complex, Awka.
The panel examined explanations from staff accused of lateness and absenteeism, stressing that such conduct constitutes a breach of employment terms and attracts sanctions under civil service regulations.
Nwankwo advised workers to properly notify authorities when absent and cautioned against receiving salaries for work not done.
Other officials including Chuma Uwolloh, a member of the Civil Service Commission, and Chinyere Nwabachili, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, urged staff to prioritise official duties over private engagements.
Jerome Ilokwu noted that decisions would follow responses to queries issued, while the committee confirmed that the Head of Service would intensify unscheduled visits to ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure accountability and improved efficiency across the workforce.
The development follows Governor Soludo’s March 26, 2026, unscheduled visit during which he warned that non-performing workers who fail to align with his administration’s efficiency drive risk disengagement from service.
Officials say the ongoing probe is part of a broader reform strategy to improve governance outcomes in Anambra State by ensuring that the civil service delivers value to the public.
Authorities reiterated that lateness, absenteeism, and neglect of duty undermine service delivery and will no longer be tolerated.
