30% of Lagos staff on sponsored training abscond – Commissioner

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Lagos State Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, on Wednesday revealed that 30% of staff who participated in state-sponsored training failed to return after completion.

Ayantayo made the disclosure during a briefing on his ministry’s activities, held to mark the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.

He explained that the state government has consistently organized international training programs to enhance human capacity development among staff.

When asked how many returned, the Commissioner said while 70% came back, 30% did not.

“A total of 23,420 staff members benefitted from various training interventions between May 2022 and December 2024. During this period, over 185 training programs were conducted, covering multiple cadres, skill levels, and thematic areas relevant to public sector efficiency, leadership development, and regulatory compliance,” he said.

He added that around 8,000 staff from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies were granted study leave in the last three years to enhance their professional skills.

Ayantayo also highlighted the implementation and upward review of the minimum wage by N35,000, as directed by Governor Sanwo-Olu, as a key achievement.

On health, he noted that various financial interventions were implemented, including payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), Rural Allowance for Primary Healthcare Workers, and bonuses for staff of the Lagos State College of Medicine.

However, he was silent on the severance allowance paid to political office holders whose tenures had expired.