The Lagos State Government has commenced the training of senior public servants as part of its efforts to strengthen leadership capacity and reposition the state’s workforce for effective service delivery.
The two-day Executive Leadership Training started at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, on Wednesday, with top officials drawn from various ministries, departments, and agencies.
The initiative was designed to equip senior officers with the skills required to lead in a rapidly changing governance environment.
This latest move by the State Government to train top officials on leadership is part of its broader push to reform the state’s public service and align it with global standards.
Over the years, the state has faced mounting pressure from rapid urbanisation, population growth, and increasing demand for efficient service delivery. These challenges have exposed gaps in bureaucratic efficiency, policy implementation, and leadership capacity within the public sector.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has also consistently emphasised human capital development as a pillar of its “Greater Lagos” agenda.
This includes investments in training, digital transformation, and institutional reforms aimed at making the civil service more responsive, tech-driven, and results-oriented.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director for Public Affairs in the state’s Ministry of Tertiary Education, Mahmud Hassan, the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, was quoted as saying that several officers were already undergoing specialised postgraduate programmes aligned with their professional development, as leadership competence remains critical to public sector efficiency.
He added that evolving technological trends and rising citizen expectations demand a departure from traditional administrative approaches, urging participants to adopt innovative, forward-looking leadership styles.
He emphasised that the training would help officials deliver improved outcomes and sustain Lagos’ position as a leading subnational government in Africa.
The statement partly read, “Mr. Agoro emphasised that the state’s investment in human capital is already yielding significant dividends. He highlighted that a growing number of senior officers are currently enrolled in specialised postgraduate programs designed to align with their specific career trajectories.
“The Head of Service noted that the rapid pace of global technological advancement and evolving citizen expectations demand a departure from routine administration.”
He urged public servants to embrace innovative, forward-thinking leadership to stay relevant in a modern governance landscape.
He further said that the state Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, described the Programme as a key component of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s “Greater Lagos” agenda, stressing that the collaboration with Rome Business School Nigeria would expose participants to global best practices.
“The challenges of modern governance—from digital transformation to economic resilience—cannot be solved with the tools of yesterday. By partnering with the Rome Business School Nigeria, we are bringing international leadership best practices directly to our MDAs, ensuring academic theories are translated into practical solutions for our citizens.
“This sentiment was echoed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Mr. Adeniran Kasali, who noted that the training equips the public sector with the necessary tools to navigate contemporary complexities.
“In his welcome address, the General Manager of Rome Business School Nigeria, Mr. Olalekan Asunmo, informed participants that the intensive two-day program features a blend of industry experts and academic facilitators. The curriculum is specifically curated to provide actionable strategies for governance, ensuring Lagos State remains a leader in public service excellence across the African continent.
“By prioritising professional growth and digital literacy, the Lagos State Government continues to ensure that its workforce is prepared to meet the demands of the 21st century and deliver on the promise of a Greater Lagos,” the statement added.