By Our Reporter
Workers in Ondo State have appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to provide low-cost housing estates and affordable mass transportation to ease the growing cost-of-living pressures on public servants.
The state Head of Service, Mr Segun Odusanya, made the appeal on Monday in Akure during a media briefing to mark the commencement of the 2026 Public Service Week celebration.
Odusanya said the rising cost of accommodation had placed considerable pressure on the incomes and general welfare of public servants, urging the state government to consider developing affordable housing estates to address the challenge.
He proposed that the estates should be supported by sustainable financing arrangements and transparent allocation procedures, while complementing the existing housing loan scheme for workers.
“We recognise that these proposals require careful planning and resources. Nevertheless, we believe they deserve consideration as part of a comprehensive approach to public service reform and workers’ welfare,” he said.
The Head of Service also urged the government to provide Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses or introduce other affordable mass-transit arrangements to reduce the burden of daily commuting on workers.
He said rising transportation costs and difficulties in accessing reliable and affordable transport had become major concerns, with implications for punctuality, attendance and overall productivity in the public service.
Odusanya’s appeal came as the state began its six-day Public Service Week celebration, themed, “Harnessing Public Service for Good Governance”.
While highlighting the challenges facing workers, he commended Aiyedatiwa’s administration for prioritising staff welfare, career progression, manpower development and improvements in the working environment.
He disclosed that approximately 6,000 personnel had been recruited into the state public service since 2024 to address manpower shortages in critical sectors.
According to him, the government has also approved an upward review of loan ceilings and duty tour allowances for officers undertaking official assignments within and outside the state, including international assignments.
Odusanya said all officers due for promotion in the 2026 exercise had received their promotion letters, while preparations for the 2027 exercise were already underway.
He explained that the promotion exercises covered the mainstream civil service, primary and secondary teaching services, as well as relevant government parastatals.
The Head of Service further praised the government for the prompt payment of salaries and leave bonuses, alongside the gradual settlement of inherited gratuity arrears.
He also identified the harmonisation of pensions for retired heads of service and permanent secretaries as another intervention aimed at addressing pension-related concerns.
However, he stressed that improvements in workers’ welfare must be accompanied by greater commitment to service delivery, discipline and accountability.
According to him, government investment in workers and institutional capacity must translate into improved productivity, integrity and efficiency across the public service.
He urged public servants to discharge their duties diligently, treat citizens with courtesy, protect public resources and avoid unnecessary delays in official processes.
Odusanya said the Public Service Week celebration was designed to reinforce professionalism, integrity and accountability in governance.
Activities lined up for the six-day event include a health walk, novelty football match, workers’ convergence, public service lecture, panel discussion and thanksgiving service.
