Japa: 30% of Lagos workers sent on training abroad fail to return
A major scandal has hit the Lagos State civil service following revelations that 30% of civil servants sent abroad for training have not returned to Nigeria.
The disclosure was made by the Lagos State Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, during a press briefing on Wednesday as part of events marking the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
Ayantayo candidly acknowledged that the government’s efforts to enhance the capacity of its workforce through international training programs have been undermined by the growing “Japa syndrome”, a popular term referring to the rising trend of Nigerians emigrating in search of better opportunities abroad.
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When asked how many staff members returned from the overseas training, Ayantayo said, “While 70% returned, 30% failed to come back.”
He emphasized the state’s commitment to workforce development, stating,
A total of 23,420 staff members benefited from various training interventions between May 2022 and December 2024.
Within the same period, over 185 training programmes were organised, which cut across multiple cadres, skill levels, and thematic areas relevant to public sector efficiency, leadership development, and regulatory compliance.
Despite the significant investment, the fact that nearly one-third of the trainees chose to remain abroad has sparked serious concerns about the programme’s oversight and the state’s strategy for retaining its workforce.
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Ayantayo also revealed that approximately 8,000 civil servants from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies have been granted study leave over the past three years to enhance their skills and qualifications.
He outlined some of the ministry’s key accomplishments, including Governor Sanwo-Olu’s approval of a ₦35,000 wage increase aimed at easing the impact of economic hardship on workers.
In the health sector, Ayantayo noted that the state has fulfilled payments for the Medical Residency Training Fund, provided Rural Allowance for Primary Healthcare Workers, and issued bonuses and wage awards to staff at the Lagos State College of Medicine.
However, when questioned about severance packages for outgoing political appointees, the Commissioner remained silent on the specific amounts paid to those whose tenures had ended.
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