The Ondo State Government is planning to introduce Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses for civil servants as part of measures to reduce the impact of rising transport costs on workers.
The State Head of Service, Chief Segun Odusanya, disclosed this on Wednesday in Akure while receiving members of the Joint Negotiating Council, led by its state chairman, Comrade Segun Ajiboye.
Odusanya said the planned buses would provide cheaper transportation for workers travelling between their homes and places of work amid the recent increase in fuel prices.
He said the initiative was among measures being pursued by the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to improve workers’ welfare and reduce the pressure created by the rising cost of living.
The Head of Service also disclosed that the governor had approved an increase in car and housing loans for civil servants, with an additional N500m injected into the schemes.
He added that the government had reviewed the Tour Duty Allowance payable to workers travelling on official assignments within and outside Ondo State, as well as those travelling abroad.
Odusanya further announced plans for a mortgage-based housing scheme that would enable civil servants to own homes instead of depending solely on government quarters, which workers are expected to vacate upon retirement.
He said the government was also preparing to recruit personnel to fill critical vacancies in the public service, while measures were being considered to ensure prompt annual promotions and provide subsidised building materials for workers.
Responding, the JNC chairman commended the government for the welfare measures but appealed for the payment of the 2026 leave bonus, early commencement of the 2027 promotion exercise, recruitment of additional personnel, implementation of the new minimum wage and further palliatives to address the effects of rising fuel and transportation costs.