Afolabi Ayantayo, the commissioner for establishments and training in Lagos, says 30 percent of civil servants sent abroad for training do not return to Nigeria.
Ayantayo spoke on Wednesday during a press briefing to mark the second anniversary of Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s, governor of Lagos, second term in office.
The commissioner noted that the state government’s aim of initiating international trainings is gradually being undermined by the increasing number of Nigerians seeking to leave the country for better opportunities.
“While 70 percent returned, 30percent failed to come back,” Ayantayo said.
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“For those that are still receiving their salaries, we didn’t pay for their courses, but those who no longer receive salaries, we paid for their courses, and it has added to productivity.
“This cuts across multiple cadres, skill levels and thematic areas relevant to public sector efficiency, leadership development and regulatory compliance.”
He said the state has trained 23,420 officials from May 2022 to December 2024, adding that about 8,000 civil servants across various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) have been granted study leave to improve their qualifications and skills.
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Ayantayo noted that the government has paid the medical residency training fund, rural allowance for primary healthcare workers, and also provided bonuses and wage awards to staff of the Lagos State College of Medicine.
He added that the state also approved N35,000 minimum wage increases for workers to reduce the effect of economic hardship.
“It covers areas such as digital transformation, emotional intelligence, policy analysis and project management,” he added.
“The ministry processed 742 sign-off training requests for various ministries, departments and agencies.
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“A total of 5,342 officers participated in the 2024 civil service examination in Lagos State, with only 15 candidates failing. The outcome is highly encouraging and reflects the quality of the state’s workforce.”
