17/08/2026
Lagos State Civil Service Commission Concludes First Cycle of Maiden Conversion Exercise to Deepen Merit, Transparency and Professionalism in the Public Service
The Lagos State Civil Service Commission has successfully concluded the first cycle of its maiden Conversion Exercise, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to institutionalise a transparent, objective, merit-based and competency-driven career conversion process within the Lagos State Public Service.
The two-day exercise, held on Tuesday, 28th and Wednesday, 29th July 2026, at the Conference Room of the Civil Service Commission, represents a major step in the implementation of the Commission's revised Conversion Policy, which is designed to provide eligible officers seeking conversion into professional cadres with a structured and standardised pathway for career progression.
Speaking at the commencement of the exercise, the Chairman of the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Boladele Dapo-Thomas, explained that the revised Conversion Policy was introduced to address identified challenges associated with the previous conversion process and to establish greater uniformity, fairness, transparency and standardisation in the consideration of applications across the Public Service.
She noted that the new process incorporates a Computer-Based Test (CBT) as an objective assessment of applicants' job-specific knowledge and competencies, while the oral interview provides an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their professional competence, understanding and readiness for conversion.
The CBT component was conducted at the Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC), Magodo, while the oral interview was conducted by the Personnel Management Boards (Conversion) of the respective Parent Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
As part of the reform, the Commission approved two conversion cycles annually, thereby introducing a predictable timetable for officers seeking career conversion. The first cycle covers January to June, with a notional date of 1st July, while the second cycle covers July to December, with a notional date of 1st January.
The structured conversion calendar is expected to reduce delays, promote administrative efficiency, facilitate workforce planning and provide eligible officers with a clear and predictable framework for career progression.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Mr. Bola Agbabiaka, explained that the introduction of distinct notional dates of 1st January and 1st July, consistent with the structure applicable to promotion exercises, was intended to strengthen the administration of career progression and eliminate unnecessary delays and cumbersome processes associated with the previous system.
The Commission further emphasised that only candidates who attain the prescribed pass mark in the CBT and satisfy all stipulated documentary and eligibility requirements would proceed to the oral interview. Original certificates and other relevant credentials were also subjected to thorough scrutiny to ensure the integrity and credibility of the process.
During the Conversion Defence held in the Civil Service Commission, the Parent MDAs presented the recommendations from their PMB meetings before the Commission. Participating MDAs included the Public Service Office, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, State Treasury Office, Office of Physical Planning, Office of Rural Development, and the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment.
The Commission also considered special cases requiring administrative regularisation and directed the relevant MDAs to take appropriate steps to ensure that officers' records and relevant personnel documents accurately reflect their approved conversion status.
The successful conclusion of the first cycle of the maiden Conversion Exercise represents another significant reform initiative of the Lagos State Civil Service Commission aimed at strengthening meritocracy, promoting competency-based career advancement, enhancing administrative efficiency and building a professional, dynamic and future-ready Public Service capable of delivering quality services to the people of Lagos State.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to the continuous review and improvement of human resource management policies and processes in line with global best practices and the vision of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for a modern, efficient, professional and performance-driven Public Service.
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