Ondo Workers Seek Affordable Housing and Transport

 

By Atlantic Reports

Workers in Ondo State have appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to provide low-cost housing estates and affordable transport to ease accommodation and commuting difficulties.

The state Head of Service, Mr Segun Odusanya, presented the requests on Monday in Akure during a media briefing marking the commencement of the 2026 Public Service Week.

The celebration’s theme is “Harnessing Public Service for Good Governance”.

Odusanya said the gap between housing costs and what many public servants could afford was placing considerable pressure on their incomes and well-being.

He proposed housing estates backed by sustainable financing and transparent allocation procedures to complement the existing housing loan scheme.

“We recognise that these proposals require careful planning and resources,” he said.

“Nevertheless, we believe they deserve consideration as part of a comprehensive approach to public service reform and workers’ welfare.”

The housing proposal remains a request. No project locations, prices, eligibility criteria or construction timetable were announced.

Odusanya also urged the government to provide Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses or other affordable mass-transit arrangements for public servants.

He said rising commuting costs and difficulties securing reliable transport were affecting workers’ punctuality, attendance and productivity.

“Transportation has become a major concern for many public servants,” he said.

“Rising commuting costs and difficulties in securing affordable and reliable transport can affect punctuality, attendance and overall productivity.”

While seeking further support, Odusanya commended the administration’s record on workers’ welfare, career progression, training and the working environment.

He said approximately 6,000 personnel had been recruited into the state public service since 2024 to address staffing shortages in critical sectors.

The government had also approved higher loan ceilings and duty tour allowances for officers undertaking official assignments within and outside the state, including international travel, he said. He did not specify the revised amounts.

According to Odusanya, all officers due for promotion in the 2026 exercise had received their letters, while preparations for the 2027 exercise were underway.

He said the promotions covered the mainstream civil service, primary and secondary teaching services and relevant government parastatals.

Odusanya also praised the payment of salaries and leave bonuses, the gradual settlement of inherited gratuity arrears and the harmonisation of pensions for retired heads of service and permanent secretaries. He did not provide the outstanding gratuity balance or a timetable for clearing it.

He stressed that improvements in workers’ welfare must be reflected in better public service delivery.

“Government’s investment in workers’ welfare and institutional capacity must be matched by improved productivity, discipline, integrity and accountability,” he said.

He urged officers to carry out their duties diligently, treat citizens courteously, protect public resources and avoid unnecessary delays in official processes.

The six-day celebration will feature a health walk, novelty football match, workers’ convergence, public service lecture, panel discussion and thanksgiving service.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.