The Lagos State Water Corporation has reportedly terminated the employment of 450 staff members, leaving many employees in shock and panic. The affected casual workers were served with termination letters on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, and were given a strict ultimatum to return all government property in their possession.
Sources within the corporation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the laid-off staff had dedicated several years to their roles within the organization. The sudden decision has caused distress among the remaining employees, who were reportedly unaware of the impending staff reduction.
Expressing concern over the situation, one staff member said in an interview with Punch, “Nobody knew this was going to happen. We were all shocked that a large number of people could be sacked in a day. Currently, these waterworks no longer have casual workers.”
The source further claimed that the state government cited restructuring as the reason behind the layoffs, despite the existing shortage of staff. The affected workers, some of whom had been with the corporation for an extended period, now face uncertainty regarding their future employment.
“One of my friends was affected by the decision. She has a family she is taking care of. She doesn’t even know where to start. She left the office weeping last week. Even if they are going to sack anyone, they should have given people more time to find alternatives. We don’t have enough staff. As big as this place is, only one person is left to clean it. There were many of us at the maintenance units before. They said they are restructuring, but how many staff will need to be sacked before this is accomplished?” the source added.
Responding to the development, Kehinde Fashola, the Public Relations Officer of Lagos State Water Corporation, confirmed the layoffs. Fashola stated, “The government found out that the Lagos Water management contract staff members have not been in accordance with the contract appointment law. Some of them have been contract staff for 10 years and some for five years, which is not in accordance with the country’s labour law.”
She continued, “The normal time is two years. So, the government is trying to correct any abnormality without any bias.” The explanation suggests that the terminations were carried out to align with the country’s labor laws and to address what the government perceives as contractual breaches.
