The Ondo State Government has introduced Ondo Pay, a digital payroll and human resources system aimed at making salary administration faster, more accurate and easier to monitor across the state public service.

The AI-enabled platform brings key payroll functions, including employee records, salary calculations, approvals, payments, reporting and pension migration, into a centralised system. The reform is expected to reduce the paperwork and manual processes that can contribute to delays and errors in salary administration.

A major benefit for civil servants is direct access to their payroll information. Through the SmartApps AI mobile application, authorised workers can check payslips, salary and deduction details, update approved personal information, submit requests and receive payroll notifications without repeatedly visiting government offices.

The system is also designed to help government ensure that the right worker receives the right salary at the right time. By using authentication, controlled access, audit trails and BVN integration, the platform can make it easier to detect duplicate or questionable records and prevent unauthorised payments.

Speaking at the launch, Ondo State Head of Service, Chief Segun Odusanya, said reliable information was essential to effective governance. He stressed the need for accurate records, confidentiality and proper management of personnel data for the platform to deliver its intended benefits.

The digital system is expected to give government a clearer picture of its workforce and wage bill, allowing officials to make better decisions on budgeting, staff deployment, training and resource allocation. It could also strengthen expenditure monitoring by providing a traceable record of payroll transactions, approvals and changes.

The initiative is part of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s drive to use technology to improve public administration, while the Ministry of Finance, led by Commissioner Omowumi Isaac, is expected to play a key role in using stronger payroll controls to reduce leakages and protect public funds. For civil servants, the immediate value lies in more transparent salary information, fewer payment errors, quicker complaint resolution and a more predictable payroll process.