26/04/2025
I AM A GOVERNMENT WORKER, CAN I REGISTER A COMPANY?
Many people ask me this question. Some don’t ask directly, but they wonder whether they are allowed to or not. So, I will explain clearly so that everyone understands.
Regarding the Laws:
The Nigeria Public Service Rules 2021 (Revised) is a book that contains the rules and regulations that every government worker must obey to avoid violating work ethics.
In this book:
Chapter 10, Section 4, Subsection 2 (r) states that it is a gross misconduct if you have a government job and also another full-time job, such as directly running a business.
Also, Chapter 10, Section 4, Subsection 2 (t) talks about Divided Loyalty, meaning splitting your loyalty between government work and other business activities, especially if it affects your work duties and that is also considered gross misconduct.
Likewise, Chapter 10, Section 4, Subsection 24 (a) prohibits a government worker from being a Director in a private company.
However, this section allows you to own shares in a private or public company, locally or internationally, as long as you do not get involved in the company's daily operations.
SO, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
1. Running a full-time business or acting as a Director in a company while working in government is a serious offense; it could lead to suspension, dismissal, or other disciplinary actions.
2. You can own shares in a company, provided you do not participate in managing its affairs.
3. You are allowed to farm, but not during official working Hours.
4. Working two jobs or splitting loyalty between your government job and other businesses is considered GROSS MISCONDUCT
So, in a nutshell, you can't register a company and participate in its affairs, you can be a shareholder but not a director.
SO WHAT CAN YOU DO THEN?
Yes! As a government worker, you can engage in activities that **do not interfere with your government job, such as:
Farming: You can farm after working hours or employ people to manage your farm.
Real Estate (Passive): You can buy properties, sell them, or rent them out, but it must not affect your work performance.
Online Business: You can do content creation, blogging, affiliate marketing, etc., but ensure it doesn’t interfere with your government duties.
Publishing and Selling Books: If you are an expert, you can write and sell books either online or offline.
Investments: You can invest in stocks, treasury bills, or trading (avoid Ponzi schemes like CBEX). You can also do cryptocurrency trading but do it with caution.
Sleeping Partner in Business: You can invest in partnership businesses but don't directly involved in managing it, You can only participate after you retire or disengaged from service.
Fashion Business:You can open a fashion house but only act as an investor collecting returns, not participating in daily operations.
Transportation Business: You can buy vehicles for Uber or car rental services, but you should not manage the operations yourself.
If you need further business advice as a government worker, we can assist you:
Contact us at.
http://wa.me/tajirng
08034808770
