Olabode Agoro: A Leader in Lagos Civil Service

Shuaheeb Olabode "Bode" Agoro is a distinguished Nigerian lawyer and civil servant who serves as the 22nd Head of Service (HoS) of Lagos State, a position he assumed on September 30, 2023. His appointment by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu underscored a commitment to placing seasoned, reform-minded professionals at the helm of the state's bureaucracy. As the HoS, Agoro is the administrative head of the state civil service, responsible for its overall management, including staff welfare, training, and the implementation of government policies and administrative reforms. His role is critical in ensuring that the civil service functions as an efficient, transparent, and capable engine of governance for Nigeria's most populous and economically vital state.

​Agoro's professional background is marked by a deep commitment to the public sector, primarily within the crucial area of land administration. He joined the Lagos State Civil Service in 2003 and spent a significant part of his career within the Lands Bureau. Over the years, he held various key roles, including Director of Land Services and Director of Land Regularisation, demonstrating a steady progression and a growing influence on one of the state's most complex and vital sectors. This tenure provided him with an invaluable, ground-level understanding of the systemic challenges and opportunities for process improvement within the government structure.

​His dedication and expertise culminated in his appointment as the Permanent Secretary of the Lands Bureau on August 3, 2015. In this capacity, Agoro championed significant administrative reforms focused on digitization, transparency, and efficiency. He notably worked to accelerate the processing of Governor's Consent for property transactions, aiming to cut red tape and unlock liquidity in the property market. Furthermore, he supported the implementation of the Land Grabbers Law to protect property rights, ultimately striving to build greater public and investor confidence in land transactions a hallmark of his results-oriented approach.

​Academically, Agoro's foundation is robust and diverse, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to leadership. He holds a law degree (LLB) from Leeds Metropolitan University and was called to the Nigerian Bar. He furthered his specialization with an LLM in Petroleum Law and Policy from the University of Dundee's Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy. His commitment to global best practices in governance is evidenced by professional training at BPP Law School in London and a certificate in public leadership from the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School. He was also admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2002, underlining his international exposure and legal credentials.

Since assuming the role of Head of Service, Agoro has maintained his focus on staff welfare, administrative reforms, and digital initiatives. His leadership is consistently described in the Nigerian press as practical, reform-minded, and a clear signal of the government's commitment to competence. He has positioned the civil service as an instrument of "nation-building" by promoting a culture of consistency, integrity, and process improvement, ensuring that the government’s service delivery mechanisms are clear, fair, and fast. His personal journey, which includes a conscious decision to forego a professional football career for public service, often serves as an inspiring narrative of discipline and dedication to the common good