In a strategic move to enhance the efficiency and dynamism of Lagos State’s civil service, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has appointed and sworn in ten new Permanent Secretaries, while redeploying eight others to various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The ceremony, which took place on Friday at the State House in Alausa, underscores the administration’s commitment to recalibrating the civil service as the backbone of effective governance in Nigeria’s economic hub. With these appointments, the total number of Permanent Secretaries appointed under the Sanwo-Olu administration now stands at 121, reflecting a deliberate effort to strengthen administrative capacity.
The newly appointed Permanent Secretaries were immediately assigned to critical portfolios, with the Governor emphasizing their pivotal role in driving the state’s development agenda. Among the key deployments are Mr. Babatunde Mohammed Onigbanjo, who assumes the role of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, and Engr. Oyenuga Olutokunbo Olayode, appointed to the Office of Infrastructure. These appointments are part of a broader strategy to align the civil service with the evolving demands of governing a cosmopolitan and rapidly growing state like Lagos.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu charged the new appointees with the responsibility of bringing ingenuity, creativity, and a strong ethical framework to their roles. He described the civil service as the “engine room” of governance, underscoring its centrality to the successful implementation of policies and programs. “Your roles are vital to the government’s effectiveness,” Sanwo-Olu stated, urging the Permanent Secretaries to foster seamless coordination between the administrative and political arms of government. He emphasized the need for synergy between the new appointees and their political counterparts—Commissioners and Special Advisers—to ensure that policy directives are translated into tangible outcomes for Lagosians.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted the increasing complexity of administering Lagos, a megacity with a population exceeding 20 million and a vibrant economy that serves as Nigeria’s commercial nerve center. He called for a public service that is responsive, transparent, and technology-driven, capable of addressing contemporary challenges. The Governor tasked the Permanent Secretaries with leading institutional reforms, including digital transformation and performance management, to enhance service delivery. “Lagos is becoming increasingly complex to administer,” he noted, “and the civil service must adapt to these realities by leveraging innovation and collaboration.”
The Head of Service (HOS), Mr. Bode Agoro, provided insight into the rigorous selection process for the new Permanent Secretaries. He described the appointees as a “fantastic set” of senior administrators, carefully chosen from a pool of high-performing Directors who excelled in computer-based tests and specialized training programs. Agoro explained that the appointments were necessitated by vacancies created due to statutory retirements, ensuring continuity and stability within the civil service leadership. The meticulous selection process underscores the administration’s commitment to meritocracy and competence in public service.
Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, Dr. Olufemi Omololu, who was deployed to Health District VI, expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for the trust and confidence placed in them. He pledged that the appointees would work diligently and harmoniously with their political heads to accelerate the implementation of the administration’s development blueprint. Dr. Omololu’s remarks reflect a collective commitment to advancing the state’s governance agenda through collaboration and dedication.
In addition to the new appointments, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced the immediate redeployment of eight serving Permanent Secretaries to optimize performance across various MDAs. This strategic reshuffle aims to leverage the expertise of seasoned administrators to address specific challenges in different sectors. The redeployments include:
Dr. Aina Olugbemiga Ayoola, moved from the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment to the Parastatals Monitoring Office.
Mr. Osinaike Olusegun Olawale, reassigned from Education District IV to Education District III.
Dr. Oyetola Idowu Olufunke, transferred from Education District III to Education District I.
Mrs. Aina, Ololade Olasupo, redeployed from the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development to the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment.
Dr. Mabogunje, Abimbola, moved from Health District VI to the Health Service Commission.
Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila Adebopo Abosede, reassigned from the Teachers’ Establishment and Pensions Office (TESCOM) to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Mr. Bajulaiye Adetokunbo Olanrewaju, transferred from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to the Ministry of Information and Strategy.
Mr. Olayinka Adebayo Wasiu, redeployed from the Ministry of Wealth Creation to the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development.
These redeployments reflect a deliberate effort to align administrative expertise with the state’s priority areas, including education, health, infrastructure, commerce, and tourism. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, for instance, has seen significant leadership transitions, with Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila Adebopo Abosede taking on a critical role in promoting Lagos as a cultural and tourism hub. Similarly, the Ministry of Information and Strategy, now under Mr. Bajulaiye Adetokunbo Olanrewaju, is poised to enhance the state’s communication framework, ensuring that government policies and achievements are effectively communicated to the public.
The reshuffle also highlights the administration’s focus on sectors critical to Lagos’ economic and social development. The Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, now led by Mr. Babatunde Mohammed Onigbanjo, is expected to drive initiatives that bolster Lagos’ position as a commercial powerhouse. Likewise, the Office of Infrastructure, under Engr. Oyenuga Olutokunbo Olayode, will play a pivotal role in addressing the state’s infrastructure needs, including transportation, housing, and urban development.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s emphasis on a technology-driven civil service aligns with Lagos’ broader vision of becoming a smart city. The Permanent Secretaries have been tasked with spearheading digital transformation initiatives, such as e-governance platforms, to enhance transparency and efficiency. This directive is particularly relevant in a state where rapid urbanization and population growth demand innovative approaches to service delivery. The Governor’s call for performance management reforms also signals a shift toward accountability and results-oriented governance, ensuring that public resources are utilized effectively.
The appointments and redeployments come at a time when Lagos faces multifaceted challenges, including traffic congestion, housing shortages, and the need for sustainable economic growth. The new Permanent Secretaries are expected to play a critical role in addressing these challenges by fostering collaboration between MDAs and implementing policies that improve the quality of life for residents. Their ability to bridge the gap between political direction and administrative execution will be crucial in achieving the administration’s ambitious goals.
The Sanwo-Olu administration has consistently prioritized civil service reform as a cornerstone of its governance strategy. Since assuming office, the Governor has made significant investments in capacity building, training, and technology adoption to modernize the civil service. The appointment of 121 Permanent Secretaries over the course of his administration reflects a sustained effort to build a competent and responsive bureaucracy capable of meeting the demands of a dynamic state.
As Lagos continues to evolve as a global city, the role of the civil service in driving sustainable development cannot be overstated. The new and redeployed Permanent Secretaries are expected to bring fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and a commitment to excellence to their respective roles. Their leadership will be instrumental in advancing the state’s development agenda, which includes initiatives like the THEMES+ agenda, focusing on Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, Security and Governance, and Social Inclusion.
In conclusion, the appointment and redeployment of Permanent Secretaries by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu represent a strategic effort to strengthen Lagos State’s civil service and enhance governance. By placing competent and experienced administrators in key positions, the administration is positioning itself to address the complex challenges of governing a megacity. The new appointees and redeployed officials are tasked with driving institutional reforms, fostering collaboration, and leveraging technology to deliver on the state’s development goals. As Lagos continues to grow in prominence, the civil service, under the leadership of these Permanent Secretaries, will play a critical role in shaping a prosperous and sustainable future for the state.
