Nearly a third of Lagos civil servants sent abroad abscond to continue living overseas to avoid hardship in Nigeria
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Up to 30 per cent of Lagos civil servants sent abroad for training failed to return, according to official data, as they took the opportunity to “Japa” – stay back to explore a better life that ensures at least basic necessities such as steady income, stable power and water supply as well as security.
Establishments and Training Commissioner Afolabi Ayantayo disclosed the figure in Lagos on Wednesday at a press briefing to mark the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
Ayantayo said the state government’s goal of building a better workforce through international training has been affected by the growing “Japa syndrome” – a slang for the rising number of Nigerians migrating abroad for better opportunities.
“While 70% returned, 30% failed to come back,” Ayantayo said.
“A total of 23,420 staff members benefitted 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.”
Ayantayo also disclosed that about 8,000 civil servants across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have been granted study leave in the past three years to improve their qualifications and skills.
He listed his ministry’s achievements to include Sanwo-Olu’s approval of a N35,000 wage increase for workers to reduce the effect of economic hardship.
He added that the state has paid the Medical Residency Training Fund, Rural Allowance for Primary Healthcare Workers, and bonuses and wage awards were given to staff of the Lagos State College of Medicine.
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