The Lagos State Government has launched a new promotion framework for senior officers in its parastatal organisations, introducing formal assessments as a requirement for career advancement.
The initiative, known as the Structured Evaluation Assessment Programme (SEAP), marks a shift from traditional promotion methods based largely on seniority to a system driven by performance, competence, and measurable capacity.
Exams Now Required for Promotion
Under the new policy, officers on Grade Levels 12 to 16 must undergo written examinations and computer-based tests before they can be considered for promotion.
According to an official statement, the programme represents the first time such formal assessments are being integrated into the promotion process at this level.
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“The Structured Evaluation Assessment Programme includes written examinations and computer-based tests and marks the first formal assessment for officers on Grade Levels 12–16 as part of promotion requirements,” the statement said.
A total of 388 officers are currently taking part in the exercise, which is being conducted at designated centres, including the Public Service Staff Development Centre and the Women Development Centre.
Push for Merit-Based Advancement
The Lagos State Government said the reform is designed to strengthen professionalism within the public service by ensuring that promotions are based on merit rather than years of service alone.
The move aligns with broader efforts to improve efficiency, accountability, and service delivery across government institutions.
By introducing structured evaluations, the state aims to identify high-performing officers and reward those who demonstrate the skills and knowledge required for higher responsibilities.
The Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, described SEAP as a key component of the government’s workforce reform strategy.
Speaking while monitoring the exercise, he urged participants to approach the assessments with seriousness, noting that the process is critical to building a more effective and responsive civil service.
Also present was the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Olubusola Abidakun, who expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise.
She commended the level of organisation at the assessment centres and the preparedness of participating officers, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to sustained reforms.
The assessment exercise began on Tuesday and is expected to continue through the week and into the following week as part of the 2026 promotion cycle.
Officials say the introduction of SEAP reflects Lagos State’s intention to modernise its civil service structure and align it with global best practices.
The reform signals a broader shift in public sector management within Lagos, where emphasis is increasingly being placed on performance metrics and professional development.
If successfully implemented, SEAP could serve as a model for other states seeking to reform their civil service systems.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring a transparent and credible process that rewards competence and strengthens the overall capacity of the state’s workforce.
