Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo: Architect of the Modern Lagos Civil Service

Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo serves as the Honorable Commissioner for Establishments and Training in Lagos State, a role that places him at the helm of the state’s most valuable asset: its human capital. Under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ayantayo is responsible for overseeing the professional development, welfare, and institutional reforms of the Lagos State Public Service. His ministry acts as the "nerve center" for personnel management, ensuring that the state's bureaucracy is not only efficient but also future-ready.

The year 2025 has been described as a defining era for the Ministry under Ayantayo’s leadership. In a record-breaking streak, the Ministry coordinated and delivered over 120 distinct training programs in just eight months. These initiatives reached every cadre of the civil service—from engineers and judicial officers to public affairs experts. By prioritizing "learning as a culture," Ayantayo has moved the public service away from traditional clerical work toward a more dynamic, results-oriented professional environment.

​One of Ayantayo’s most significant achievements is the full institutionalization of the Lagos State Competency Framework. This system ensures that recruitment, promotions, and postings are based on evidence of skill rather than mere seniority. By matching the right talent to the right roles, the Commissioner has introduced a standardized structure for assessing suitability across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This reform has significantly improved service delivery and accountability within the state's sprawling bureaucracy.

​Beyond training, Commissioner Ayantayo has been a pivotal figure in maintaining industrial harmony within the state. He has been instrumental in implementing salary adjustments for medical and dental staff and overseeing the increase in subventions to state-owned higher institutions like LASU. His "open-door" policy with labor unions and professional associations, such as the Association of Resident Doctors, has ensured that grievances are addressed through dialogue, preventing the disruptive strikes that often plague public sectors.

Looking ahead, Mr. Ayantayo is steering the Lagos workforce toward a digital-first future. His emphasis on "Effective Communication and Emotional Intelligence" in the workplace reflects a modern approach to governance where empathy and technology go hand-in-hand. By equipping civil servants with digital transformation skills, he is ensuring that Lagos remains a "Smart City" governed by a smart, agile, and motivated workforce capable of meeting the demands of a global commercial hub.