Hundreds of former ad-hoc staffers across the 33 Local Government Areas of Oyo State gathered to appeal to Governor Seyi Makinde to increase the number of ad-hoc staffers being considered for full recruitment into the Local Government Service.
Weeks earlier, Governor Makinde had approved the conversion of 1,591 ad-hoc staffers to full-time staff. This decision was met with joy and celebration across the local governments, as it marked a significant and unprecedented development in the state’s governance.
As part of his administration’s commitment to reducing unemployment and strengthening the public and civil service in the state, Governor Makinde has embarked on large-scale recruitment into various state institutions, including the teaching service, Oyo State Civil Service, Amotekun Corps, and the Oyo State Road Management Authority (OYRTMA). However, the local government system has long suffered from a dwindling workforce due to retirements over the past decade without corresponding replacements.
While this issue did not originate with Governor Makinde’s administration, previous governments neglected to recruit employees into local governments. Responding to the persistent appeals of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Governor Makinde, on October 2, 2024, issued a directive for the conversion of ad-hoc staff across the 33 Local Government Areas into full-time staff. The announcement was made during the official commissioning of the Local Government House and the Local Government Staff Training School. The governor’s swift action to NULGE’s plea was met with widespread admiration and relief among ad-hoc and volunteer staff.
Following the directive, in January 2025, thousands of ad-hoc staffers underwent tests and interviews, with successful candidates shortlisted and issued appointment letters in February 2025. However, with nearly 5,000 ad-hoc staffers still awaiting absorption, many are appealing to Governor Makinde to reconsider expanding the recruitment list.
It is crucial to acknowledge that for over a decade, no recruitment took place at the local government level. In fact, the previous administration exacerbated the situation by dismissing numerous local government workers after the governor’s reelection in 2015. Many of the current ad-hoc staffers have endured years of uncertainty, working for meager wages between N15,000 and N17,000 per month. Some have remained in these roles for over five years, clinging to faint hopes of eventual full employment.
Thus, Governor Makinde’s approval of the conversion of ad-hoc staff to full-time employees was a groundbreaking and much-needed move. This decision has rekindled hope for thousands and has the potential to revitalize the local government system. Furthermore, this initiative positions Oyo State as a trailblazer in local government employment, setting an example for other states across the federation.
Without a doubt, Governor Makinde’s leadership continues to be a beacon of progress for Oyo State. His policies are laying a strong foundation for sustained prosperity while reclaiming the state’s historic reputation as a pacesetter in governance and development.
I join the ad-hoc staffers in appealing to Governor Makinde’s people-centered administration to consider increasing the number of staff conversions, ensuring that those who have dedicated years of service are not left behind. Doing so would not only change lives but also further solidify Oyo State’s position as a model for responsible governance and workforce development.
●Adekunle writes from Akinyele LGA, Ibadan.
