At the Tuesday plenary in the Oyo State House of Assembly (OYHA), Hon. Babajide Gabriel Adebayo, a member representing Ibadan North Constituency 2, co-sponsored a motion aimed at addressing the issue of staff abscondment across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the state.
Rt. Hon. E. A. Ogundoyin, Speaker, along with Hon. S. A. Onaolapo, leader of the house, and Hon. Adebayo Babajide, took a significant step by presenting the motion.
It emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive investigation to curtail this trend, thereby safeguarding government funds and creating opportunities for the integration of fresh graduates into the civil service.
Highlighting the pivotal role of civil servants in implementing government policies and programs, the motion underscores the importance of their professionalism, expertise, and experiences in ensuring continuity of governance irrespective of political transitions.
With an estimated workforce of 30,000 civil/public servants in Oyo State, the government expends approximately 7.2 billion naira monthly on salaries, reflecting a significant financial commitment to its workforce.
The motion draws attention to the previous staff audit conducted in 2019, revealing the presence of ghost workers within the system.
It calls for a proactive approach, urging the Executive Arm of Government to leverage electronic technology for monitoring staff attendance and curbing absenteeism without lawful permission.
The proposed introduction of electronic devices, such as Master Cards, aims to enhance accountability and efficiency in workforce management.
By initiating this motion, the Oyo State Assembly demonstrates its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and effective governance.
The proposed investigation, if conducted diligently, is expected to identify and address loopholes in the system, ultimately optimizing government resources and fostering the integration of new talent into the civil service.
