Head of Service Segun Odusanya says high transport and accommodation costs affect workers’ welfare and productivity as the state government highlights its interventions.
Workers in Ondo State have appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to provide Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and affordable housing to ease financial pressures and improve productivity across the public service.
The Head of Service, Segun Odusanya, made the appeal in Akure during the 2026 Public Service Week celebration.
Odusanya acknowledged the administration’s interventions in workers’ welfare but said transportation and accommodation costs remained major concerns for public servants.
“Transportation has become a major concern for many public servants. Rising commuting costs and difficulties in securing affordable and reliable transport can affect punctuality, attendance and overall productivity,” he said.
He urged the government to consider CNG buses or other affordable mass-transit arrangements for workers across ministries, departments and agencies.
According to him, affordable transport would reduce daily commuting expenses, encourage regular attendance and improve service delivery.
Workers Seek Affordable Housing
Odusanya also called on the state government to develop low-cost housing estates for public servants, citing rising accommodation costs and their impact on workers’ incomes and wellbeing.
“Access to decent and affordable accommodation remains another important concern,” he said.
He proposed housing estates supported by sustainable financing and transparent allocation procedures to complement the state’s existing housing loan scheme.
The Head of Service acknowledged that implementing the proposals would require careful planning and financial resources. However, he said the measures deserved consideration as part of broader public service reforms.
Government Highlights Workers’ Welfare Measures
Odusanya outlined several interventions by the Aiyedatiwa administration aimed at improving workers’ welfare.
He said the government had approved an additional ₦500 million seed fund for housing and vehicle loan schemes. It had also increased loan ceilings and reviewed Duty Tour Allowance rates for official assignments within and outside the state, including foreign trips.
According to him, all officers due for promotion in the 2026 cycle have received their promotion letters, while preparations for the 2027 exercise are underway.
The exercise covers the mainstream civil service, primary and secondary teaching services, and relevant parastatals.
Odusanya added that the government had sustained prompt salary and leave-bonus payments. It had also continued the gradual settlement of inherited gratuity arrears for state and local government pensioners.
He further noted that the government had harmonised pensions for retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries.
Ondo Recruits About 6,000 Personnel
The Head of Service said the state had recruited approximately 6,000 personnel from 2024 to date across various sectors to strengthen service delivery.
He added that appointments to Permanent Secretary positions and other senior offices had continued to reinforce administrative leadership.
The recruitment and appointments form part of the administration’s efforts to strengthen the public workforce, according to Odusanya.
However, the proposed transport and housing interventions remain requests from the Head of Service rather than confirmed government programmes.
Public Service Week Features Health Walk, Lecture
Odusanya said activities planned for the 2026 Public Service Week include a health walk, a novelty football match and a public lecture.
The lecture is themed “Harnessing Public Service for Good Governance” and will feature a panel discussion.
The celebration provides an opportunity to recognise public servants and discuss ways to improve the efficiency of government institutions.
The proposed CNG buses and affordable housing estates are among the additional measures workers want the state government to consider as it pursues improved welfare and productivity.
