Lagos State Government Raises Concern Over Civil Servants Absconding After Overseas Training

The Lagos State Government has expressed concern over the increasing number of civil servants failing to return after being sent abroad for training. According to the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, 30% of government-sponsored trainees have not returned to Nigeria.

Speaking at a ministerial briefing marking the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term, Ayantayo highlighted the state’s commitment to workforce development. He revealed that 23,420 staff members benefitted from various training interventions between May 2022 and December 2024, with over 185 training programs conducted across multiple skill levels.

Despite these efforts, the growing trend of civil servants remaining abroad—often referred to as the “Japa syndrome”—has raised concerns about talent retention and program monitoring. The Commissioner also noted that 8,000 civil servants have been granted study leave in the last three years to improve their qualifications and skills