Japa Challenge: 30% of Lagos-Trained Civil Servants Abroad Fail to Return – Ayantayo Raises Alarm, Sanwo-Olu Raises Standards
Lagos State Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, has disclosed that 30% of civil servants who travelled abroad under government-sponsored training programs failed to return after completion. He revealed this during the 2025 ministerial press briefing in Alausa, marking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term midpoint.
Despite the setback, Ayantayo highlighted significant achievements under the current administration, including the successful training of over 23,000 workers across 185 programs from May 2022 to December 2024. He also praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for approving an upward review of the minimum wage to ₦85,000, as well as for financial interventions supporting healthcare workers and medical trainees.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to human capital development and public service excellence. With over 101,000 workers currently in the state civil service, Lagos remains committed to building a workforce that is skilled, empowered, and ready to drive 21st-century governance under the THEMES+ agenda.
