The public service serves as a vital vehicle for delivering government services to the people. From policy initiation through formulation to execution, public servants play an essential role in helping every administration to achieve its visions. The public servants praticalise decisions made on paper into visible and tangible projects that impact daily lives of citizens.
Acknowledging the essential role of public service, the Lagos State Government has raised significant concern over the declining condition of public offices. This recognition has driven the administration’s commitment to revitalising these spaces, fostering productivity, and improving service delivery.
To this end, the upgrade of public office buildings is paramount. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu believes that a conducive working environment motivates personnel and enhances their efficiency. He once said: “The continuous improvement of public sector productivity is vital to achieving my promises to Lagosians”. This commitment underscores the administration’s goal of creating a more effective and responsive government.
Tasked with a mandate to upgrade and maintain dilapidated public facilities, the state Infrastructure Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA) has become pivotal in implementing the infrastructure renewal strategy of the Sanwo-Olu administration.
In recent years, LASIAMA has undertaken significant projects aimed at enhancing public services and infrastructures. These efforts have not only improved facilities, but also fostered a culture of accountability and efficiency within the public sector.
The agency executed extensive renovations across various government buildings, including Blocks 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, and 20 in the state secretariat, which houses key ministries.
Additional renovations were conducted at the Local Government Service Commission, the state Drivers’ Institute, School of Nursing and the Lagos Television Building Complex, among others.
This modernisation reflects LASIAMA’s commitment to safety, security, and productivity, ensuring that public offices are well-designed and functional.
Among the notable ongoing projects is the renovation of the state Digital Village, which is crucial for fostering economic development, technology, and community engagement.
Initially planned as a simple facelift, the project scope was revised to incorporate major upgrades. This shift required extensive consultation, detailed planning, and additional resources prior to implementation.
Consequently, the timeline was adjusted to accommodate these comprehensive improvements, ensuring the renovation would go beyond superficial enhancements.
It may not be obvious from the outside, but 90 per cent of the work has already been completed. This includes the re-construction of the roof, general tiling of all floors, such as halls, offices, and lobbies – tiling of all toilets on both walls and floors, a total overhaul of existing electrical fixtures and fittings, POP ceiling construction for all floors, and a complete revamp of all mechanical fixtures and fittings.
It is reassuring that LASIAMA has prioritised the education sector by executing major renovations in over 100 public secondary schools since 2019. Completed works include significant upgrades at institutions such as: Aiyedere Ajibola Junior and Senior High Schools and Unity Junior High School.
Additionally, LASIAMA has piloted a six-month structured maintenance framework for 94 recently rehabilitated public schools, creating thousands of jobs for tradespeople and significantly enhancing the overall learning environment.
In pursuit of the One-Health Paradigm to improve public health infrastructures and services in the state, the Sanwo-Olu administration has been implementing programmes in key areas, with major focus on transforming health infrastructure.
This infrastructural intervention arose from the need to establish a sustainable maintenance regime that retains the standard of hospital infrastructure and facilitates the provision of quality medical services across the state. To this end, LASIAMA developed and implemented maintenance frameworks for teaching hospitals, general hospitals, and Maternal and Child Care Centres (MCCs), engaging facility managers to coordinate daily and routine maintenance.
These facility management companies have significantly contributed to job creation, employing thousands of Lagosians in various capacities. A standard Facility Management structure has been established in all MCCs, the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, General Hospital Odan, and other facilities.
As facilities designed to provide integrated care services for both inpatients and outpatients, the regular maintenance of health infrastructure, especially in maternal and child care centres – enables the provision of excellent medical care in a welcoming environment. Each hospital now employs an average of 43 non-clinical operations and maintenance employees, including cleaners, security personnel, and gardeners.
Beyond sustaining the quality of facilities, the concept of facility management offers a substantial opportunity to create jobs for many Lagosians, further bolstered by those engaged during the renovation period.
This investment in facility management aligns with the second pillar, H, of the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda, which focuses on Health and Environment. The health and well-being of Lagosians have been key priorities for the Sanwo-Olu administration. Significant efforts have been directed toward rehabilitating General Hospitals and MCCs to ensure quality healthcare access.
Extensive renovations have improved facilities across the state, including the state University Teaching Hospital and the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba. A comprehensive maintenance framework has been developed to sustain these healthcare facilities, enhancing the overall quality of care available to citizens.
Recognising the growing need for fire safety, the Sanwo-Olu administration approved the rehabilitation of all fire stations in Lagos. This initiative included: renovating 13 stations and reconstructing two others, including the Headquarters at Alausa, which was transformed into a modern multi-story facility. This transformation was also carried out through LASIAMA. These improvements have enhanced working conditions for personnel and increased the effectiveness of emergency response services, setting new standards in infrastructure management.
The administration’s focus on upgrading public facilities not only revitalises infrastructure but also creates numerous jobs for artisans such as bricklayers, welders, and painters. This investment has a significant positive impact on the local economy, reflecting a holistic approach to development.
Furthermore, the state government has strategically invested in the development, upgrade, and maintenance of health facilities to provide Lagosians with access to quality and affordable healthcare services. Under the current administration, healthcare infrastructure management has become increasingly visible, with substantial refurbishment and renovation work ongoing at multiple facilities.
In sum, LASIAMA’s strides in infrastructure management have significantly contributed to the achievement of the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, particularly in education, healthcare, and public safety.
The comprehensive renovations and upgrades have enhanced the quality of public services in th state, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to creating a safer, more efficient, and productive environment for all citizens.
As the administration continues to transform the state’s infrastructure landscape, public buildings are becoming more conducive, sustainable, and enduring. This effort provides the right kind of work environment for the workforce and ultimately aims to elevate the quality of life for all Lagosians.
In this endeavour, the leadership of Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat remains pivotal, demonstrating a dedication to progress that will have lasting benefits for the people of Lagos.
Musbau is the Director of the Public Affairs Unit at LASIAMA, Alausa, Ikeja
