Lagos wastes millions as 30% of trained civil servants refuse to return from abroad

DDM News

A major scandal has rocked the Lagos State Civil Service.

Commissioner Afolabi Ayantayo revealed the shocking details during a press briefing on Wednesday, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathers.

The event marked the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.

Ayantayo announced that 30% of civil servants sent abroad for training failed to return.

He blamed the “Japa syndrome” for this alarming development.

“Japa” refers to the increasing number of Nigerians leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.

The government had intended to build a stronger workforce through international training.

Unfortunately, that goal is now under serious threat.

“Only 70% of them came back,” Ayantayo said grimly.

This trend, he warned, is weakening the state’s development efforts.

Between May 2022 and December 2024, 23,420 workers were trained.

These training programmes covered different cadres and skill levels.

They focused on improving efficiency, leadership, and regulatory compliance in the public sector.

Despite this large investment, many trainees chose to remain abroad.

This has sparked concerns about weak monitoring and follow-up mechanisms.

Stakeholders are questioning the effectiveness of the current return policies.

Experts say the problem could worsen without strict enforcement measures.

Taxpayers’ money is being lost with no guaranteed benefit to the state.

Some have called for bonding agreements to be enforced more strictly.

Others want defaulters blacklisted from future government-sponsored opportunities.

Ayantayo also revealed another concerning statistic.

Over 8,000 civil servants received study leave between 2022 and 2024.

These leaves were meant to help staff upskill and grow professionally.

However, fears persist that some may never return to duty.

This further strains the already stretched civil service workforce.

Despite these setbacks, Ayantayo highlighted several ministry achievements.

Governor Sanwo-Olu approved a N35,000 wage increase for public workers.

The increment is aimed at reducing the burden of economic hardship.

In the health sector, several overdue allowances were paid.

These include the Medical Residency Training Fund and Rural Allowance.

Bonuses and wage awards were also given to medical staff.

However, one critical issue remained unresolved.

Ayantayo declined to disclose severance packages for political appointees.

He was silent when asked about the total amount paid.

This has raised new concerns about transparency and accountability in governance.

As the government continues funding overseas training, doubts persist.

Will Lagos keep investing in workers who never return?

Immediate action is needed to protect public funds and restore trust.

Retaining skilled civil servants must now become a top priority.

Without urgent reforms, the trend may cripple the state’s workforce.

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