Workers in Ondo State have appealed to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to build low-cost housing estates for them to ameliorate their accommodation and housing challenges.
The state Head of Service(HoS), 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.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the theme of the celebration is “Harnessing Public Service for Good Governance.”
Odusanya said access to decent and affordable accommodation remained another important concern for workers, noting that the gap between housing costs and financial capacity of many public servants placed considerable pressure on their income and general well-being.
“Such estates could be supported by sustainable financing arrangements and transparent allocation procedures, while complementing the existing housing loan scheme.
“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 commended the governor for prioritising workers’ 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.
He explained that the government had 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 promotion exercise were already underway.
He explained that the promotion exercises covered the mainstream civil service, primary and secondary teaching services and relevant government parastatals.
Odusanya further commended Aiyedatiwa’s administration for the prompt payment of salaries, leave bonuses and the gradual settlement of inherited gratuity arrears.
He said the harmonisation of pensions for retired heads of service and permanent secretaries was another significant intervention aimed at addressing pension-related concerns.
Odusanya, however, appealed to the state government to provide Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to ease transportation difficulties confronting public servants.
He said rising transportation costs had continued to affect workers’ punctuality, attendance and productivity.
“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.
“We respectfully appeal to the state government to consider providing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses or other affordable mass-transit arrangements for public servants,” he stated.
Speaking on the Public Service Week celebration, Odusanya said the event underscored the importance of professionalism, integrity and accountability in governance.
“Government’s investment in workers’ welfare and institutional capacity must be matched by improved productivity, discipline, integrity and accountability.
“Every officer has a responsibility to discharge assigned duties diligently, treat citizens with courtesy, protect public resources and avoid unnecessary delays in official processes,” he said.
He said the six-day celebration would feature health walk, novelty football match, workers’ convergence, public service lecture, panel discussion and thanksgiving service. (NAN)
