In a landmark step toward transforming the public sector, the Lagos State government has fully institutionalised its competency framework in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to enhance service delivery, talent development, and workforce planning.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, disclosed this during a meeting with the representatives of Kinder Consulting Limited. He affirmed that the competency framework now underpins personnel-related decisions throughout the state’s bureaucracy.

“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 the Commissioner.

Ayantayo noted that the framework was recently applied in the selection process for the Public-Private Sector Exchange Programme, which ensured that only officers who met specific role-based competencies were shortlisted for secondments to private sector institutions.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun, described the institutionalisation of the framework as a game changer 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 said.

She added that technical officers across the civil service are being trained on the practical application of the framework, while monitoring mechanisms have been established to ensure its proper utilisation and long-term sustainability.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Patricia Akinlotan, Executive Director of Kinder Consulting and Lead Consultant on the Competency Framework Project, described Lagos State as a pacesetter in public sector innovation.

“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,” she said.

Akinlotan explained that the framework was developed in alignment with international standards while being tailored to the specific needs of the State Civil Service. She emphasised that it provides a unified language for defining success in every role, across all levels.

“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 initiative is a critical pillar of the Lagos State Government’s Civil Service Reform Agenda, which seeks to build a professional, ethical, and high-performing workforce capable of delivering on the administration’s development priorities.

As implementation deepens, the Ministry of Establishments and Training has reaffirmed its commitment to continuously reviewing and aligning the framework with policy directions.