As Nasarawa State prepares to host President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on a working visit scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, 2025, concerns have emerged among civil servants over possible harassment by security operatives amidst partial movement restrictions in the State capital, Lafia.
A number of civil servants, speaking anonymously, voiced disappointment over the State Government’s silence on declaring a work-free day, a gesture often extended by other states during high-level presidential visits.
“We were expecting that the State Government would declare a work-free day to enable citizens welcome the President warmly. But nothing has been said so far, and we are still expected to report to work despite anticipated security barricades and restricted movements,” said one civil servant and member of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The source expressed fears that workers commuting to their offices could face harassment at security checkpoints as movement becomes increasingly limited during the presidential visit.
Reacting to the development, the State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Ismaila Okoh, acknowledged the concerns but emphasized that the decision to declare a public holiday rests entirely with the State Government.
“It is within the exclusive prerogative of the Government to declare a work-free day. As organized labour, we do not have the authority to dictate such administrative decisions,” he stated.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Tanko Ibrahim, who also chairs the Information Subcommittee for the Presidential visit, held a press briefing on preparations. However, his remarks did not include any mention of a public holiday or formal advisory for civil servants.
President Tinubu is expected to commission key projects and engage stakeholders as part of efforts to assess development progress and further his administration’s economic reform agenda.
While excitement builds in some quarters over the historic visit, civil servants are calling on the government to provide clear guidance and adequate protection to prevent unintended disruptions or mistreatment of workers during the event.
