Many Civil servants in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Friday, failed to resume duty after the Eid el-Fitr holiday celebration.
At the Federal Secretariat, its environs and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), offices were scanty as many members of staff of the various ministries were not seen in their offices.
There was no heavy presence of security operatives at the secretariat unlike other working days.
Food kiosks at the secretariat were open but few people patronised them.
Activities at the FCDA were generally partial as many workers had yet to resume from the long holiday.
Some of the staff said that though the holiday was extended, the economic situation in the country did not allow them to enjoy it.
Mrs Pauline John, an official in one of the ministries, said that she and her family stayed in-doors throughout the holiday.
“I would have loved to take my children out but we know how hard things are in the country, so we just stayed at home.’’
Mr Bamidele Ajayi: “I used the long holiday to rest instead of going out; you know there is no money to waste anymore.
Malam Isah Bala, a civil servant, said that the economic situation in the country prevented him from travelling for the Sallah, adding that he had no reason to be away from work.
“My Sallah celebration was key because of financial constraint.
“ I was at home with my family throughout the holiday because the cost of transporting my whole family down to our home-town was too much.’’
Miss Cynthia Onyeale, a food vendor, said that many of her customers were not around because of the holiday.
“I have not seen many of my customers today. I am sure some of them travelled for the Sallah and some did not come to work.’’
Mr Bode Fakeye, a commercial driver, said that he had been at the secretariat for sometime without getting any passenger.
“Usually, I do not stay here for more than 15 minutes before I get passenger to carry as drop; but today, I have been here for almost 40 minutes and no passenger,’’ Fakeye said.
