…Workforce Hits 101,108
At least 30 percent of Lagos State Government civil servants who participated in government-sponsored capacity training programs abroad have failed to return after completing their courses.
Lagos State Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, disclosed this on Wednesday during the 2025 ministerial briefing on his ministry’s activities, marking the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term, held at Alausa, Ikeja.
Ayantayo emphasized that as part of efforts to enhance the human capacity development of staff, the state government has consistently organized training programs abroad for its civil servants.
Responding to questions during the interactive session, Ayantayo said, “Over the past three years, about 8,000 staff from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) were granted approval to go on study leave to improve their professional skills.”
He noted that 70 percent of those staff members returned, while 30 percent did not.
“Additionally, from May 2022 to December 2024, a total of 23,420 staff benefited from various training interventions. In that period, over 185 training programs were held, covering multiple skill levels, leadership development, and regulatory compliance.”
Ayantayo also mentioned that, aside from those who absconded, several other workers had left the state for better opportunities abroad.
On a positive note, the commissioner highlighted the implementation of an upward review in workers’ minimum wage from N35,000 to N85,000 by Governor Sanwo-Olu as one of the ministry’s significant achievements.
Regarding the health sector, Ayantayo mentioned various financial interventions, including the payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), rural allowances for primary healthcare workers, and bonuses for staff at the Lagos State College of Medicine.
However, when asked about the severance allowance paid to political office holders whose tenure had ended, the commissioner chose not to comment.
Regarding the total workforce in the state civil service, Ayantayo revealed that the Lagos State Government currently employs about 101,108 workers.
