The Lagos State Government has begun its 2026 promotion exercise for civil servants and parastatal staff, with a revised assessment process for senior officers as part of ongoing reforms to strengthen public service standards.

The process, announced on the government’s official X account, affects public servants on Grade Levels 01–05 in the mainstream civil service and those on Grade Levels 01–16 in parastatal organisations.

The exercise includes the Revised Structured Training Programme (RSTP) for officers on Grade Levels 01–05 in the mainstream civil service and Grade Levels 01–10 in parastatal bodies, and the Structured Evaluation Assessment Programme (SEAP) for officers on Grade Levels 12–16 in parastatals.

SEAP marks the first time a formal assessment that includes written examinations and computer‑based tests is being used as part of promotion requirements for senior officers, reflecting a shift towards merit‑based advancement.

Officials say the initiative aims to ensure career progression is based on competence, capacity development and performance, aligning with the state government’s commitment to a merit‑driven civil service. The exercise is being held at the Public Service Staff Development Centre in Magodo and the Women Development Centre in Agege, with 388 officers participating in SEAP and 4 870 officers enrolled in the structured training programme.

Afolabi Ayantayo, Commissioner for Establishments and Training, monitored the exercise and described the conduct of participants and coordination at the centres as orderly. He urged officers to “approach the process with dedication and a strong sense of responsibility”.

Ayantayo stated that the introduction of SEAP would help ensure that promotions reflect demonstrable knowledge, skills and competence, and contribute to building a workforce capable of meeting the demands of public service.

Olubusola Abidakun, Permanent Secretary, said she was satisfied with the level of preparedness and organisation, and reiterated the ministry’s commitment to reforms designed to enhance productivity across the civil service.

The promotion exercise will run through the week and into next week, featuring sessions aimed at preparing officers for higher responsibilities in their careers. Under existing civil service rules, the government convenes committees to review eligible officers for promotion and officers not successful in an exercise may appeal within a set period.

Promotions generally take effect in line with established dates determined by the Civil Service Commission.

Lagos State’s reforms are part of broader efforts by sub‑national governments in Nigeria to strengthen public institutions and align workforce development with strategic goals.

Stakeholders and civil servants following the exercise have noted the emphasis on performance standards and the role of consistent evaluation in advancing the civil service.