A civil servant in Kogi State has issued a second open letter urging Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to pay outstanding leave allowances and other workers’ entitlements, citing the rising cost of living and growing hardship among public workers’ households.
The letter, written by Bode Olatunde, a member of the state workforce, also asks the government to implement due promotions, pay promotion-related benefits and settle accumulated annual salary increments. He further called for an affordable housing scheme for civil servants in Lokoja, the state capital, where he said rising rents have become a major burden.
Olatunde said many households were being pushed “to the brink” by higher costs for food, transportation, accommodation, education and healthcare.
“The economic realities confronting Nigerian workers are becoming increasingly unbearable,” he said.
He said leave allowances have become more than an employment benefit for many workers, serving as a vital source of support for paying school fees, offsetting debts and meeting urgent domestic obligations. He recalled that the Ododo administration’s earlier payment of leave allowances had brought significant relief to workers and their dependants.
“The continued delay has heightened anxiety among workers, many of whom are struggling to keep their families afloat while patiently hoping for government intervention,” Olatunde said.
He asked the governor to direct the relevant ministries, departments and agencies to address the outstanding leave allowances and other approved financial entitlements urgently. The letter did not specify the amounts owed or the number of workers affected.
Housing
Olatunde said the cost of decent accommodation in Lokoja had risen beyond the reach of many workers, with a significant share of monthly earnings reportedly going to rent.
He urged the state government to build low-cost housing estates for civil servants, backed by flexible payment plans, mortgage options or gradual salary deductions. He said such a scheme would give workers long-term security, improve productivity and strengthen relations between the government and its workforce.
“Not confrontational”
Olatunde acknowledged the administration’s achievements in various sectors and said the appeal was “neither confrontational nor borne out of ingratitude.” He described civil servants, including teachers, health workers and administrators, as critical partners in governance who remain committed to the state’s development despite the economic conditions.
“Governor Ododo, we are suffering in silence, but our hope remains alive. Please come to our aid. Let compassion translate into action,” he said.
He added that a timely intervention would bring relief to thousands of households and restore workers’ confidence.
There was no immediate comment from the governor’s office or the Kogi State government on the letter.
