The Lagos State Government has raised a red flag over the rising number of civil servants failing to return after receiving sponsorship for training abroad. Alarmingly, 30% of those beneficiaries have not come back to Nigeria.
Afolabi Ayantayo, the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, disclosed this during a press briefing on the 14th of May, 2025, which coincided with the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term. In response to questions from journalists, Ayantayo pointed to the growing ‘Japa’ phenomenon used to describe the large-scale migration of Nigerians in search of better prospects overseas as a key factor behind this worrying trend.
“While 70% have returned, 30% have not,” Ayantayo revealed.
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Between May 2022 and December 2024, a total of 23,420 staff members have benefitted from various training programs.
These included over 185 initiatives aimed at enhancing public service delivery across all skill levels, with a particular focus on leadership, regulatory compliance, and efficiency in sector-specific areas.