Lagos sets new standard, Civil Service now powered by Competency Framework 

The Lagos State Government has officially institutionalised its Competency Framework across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), marking a major milestone in its civil service reform efforts.

Transitioning from its pilot phase, the framework has now become the standard human resource management tool for talent development, workforce planning, and service delivery improvement across the public service.

This development was disclosed by the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, during a strategic session with representatives of Kinder Consulting Limited.

According to him, the framework now guides all personnel-related decisions within the state’s civil service.

“We have entrenched the competency framework as a standard across the State’s public service. From recruitment to promotions, from deployment to training, this system ensures we are matching the right people to the right roles based on evidence, not assumptions,” said Ayantayo.

He revealed that the framework had recently been deployed in selecting officers for the Public-Private Sector Exchange Programme, ensuring that only candidates with the requisite competencies were shortlisted for secondment to private sector organisations.

Supporting the Commissioner’s statement, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun, described the framework’s institutionalisation as a transformative development for workforce efficiency.

“It has introduced a clear, standardised structure for assessing officers’ suitability and identifying development needs. MDAs are now more intentional about capacity building, as the required competencies for optimal performance are clearly defined,” she explained.

Abidakun further stated that technical officers across the civil service are undergoing training on the practical use of the framework, and that robust monitoring mechanisms are in place to ensure consistent application and long-term sustainability.

Mrs. Patricia Akinlotan, Executive Director of Kinder Consulting and Lead Consultant on the Competency Framework Project, praised Lagos State for leading innovation in the public sector.

“Lagos is leading by example. With the full institutionalisation of this framework, the state government has moved from policy rhetoric to implementation, aligning people, processes and performance,” Akinlotan said.

She noted that the framework was developed in accordance with international best practices, but tailored specifically to suit the structure and needs of the Lagos State Civil Service.

“This is more than an HR tool; it is a leadership tool. It empowers MDAs to drive performance, nurture talent, plan for succession, and promote fairness in decision-making,” she added.

The Competency Framework is a core element of the Lagos State Government’s broader Civil Service Reform Agenda, aimed at building a professional, ethical, and high-performing workforce that can effectively deliver on the administration’s development goals.