The Ondo State Government has introduced an artificial intelligence-powered digital system, named Ondo AI, to manage civil servants' personnel records, payroll, retirement, and pension processes. This move aims to replace manual administrative procedures with automated systems. The system was launched by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor's Office in Akure. The platform provides real-time access to personnel information, automates payroll and retirement processes, and facilitates the migration of retiring workers from active service to the pension system.
The launch of Ondo AI builds on the state's earlier deployment of Ondo Pay, an AI-enabled human resources and payroll platform. Ondo Pay has disbursed N9.7 billion in pension and gratuities to 2,802 civil servants, covering outstanding pension and gratuity obligations. The digital system contains comprehensive records of civil servants, including photographs, appointment details, promotion letters, academic qualifications, complaints, and other relevant documents. Authorized government officials can access these records electronically.
The Ondo AI system is designed to alert the government when workers approach retirement and automate pension migration. Civil servants can use the self-service component to access their payslips and personnel information and determine the number of days remaining before their retirement. According to Godwin Odoma, Managing Director of SmartApps IT Limited, the company that developed the system, the self-service application allows civil servants to access their information easily.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that the initiative aims to replace outdated analogue processes, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and improve decision-making and transparency in government. He emphasized that effective governance depends on accurate and timely information and that digitization should not be viewed merely as the introduction of technology but as a means of changing how the government operates.
The governor urged public servants responsible for entering information into the system to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the records. He stressed that the 21st-century public service cannot operate an analogue system indefinitely and that the state must adapt to technological advancements. The Head of Service, Segun Odusanya, described the platform as a major step towards modernizing the state's public service.
The Ondo AI system is expected to provide greater control of personnel records, strengthen workforce planning, and support timely decision-making. The system will also reduce delays associated with traditional administrative procedures. With the self-service application, civil servants can access their information easily and plan for their retirement.
The Ondo State Government's deployment of Ondo AI and Ondo Pay demonstrates its commitment to leveraging technology to improve public service delivery. The systems have already made a significant impact on pension and gratuity payments. The government expects that the Ondo AI system will further enhance transparency and efficiency in its operations.
Key points
- The Ondo State Government has launched an AI-powered system to manage civil servants' personnel records, payroll, and pension processes.
- The system, named Ondo AI, aims to replace manual administrative procedures with automated systems and improve decision-making and transparency in government.
- The system has disbursed N9.7 billion in pension and gratuities to 2,802 civil servants, covering outstanding pension and gratuity obligations.
