Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro assumed office as Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Parastatals Monitoring in December of 2024, stepping into a role that demanded vision, resolve, and a commitment to drive change. In just one year, his impact has been profound and unmistakable.

From the outset, Obanikoro injected renewed purpose into the Parastatals Monitoring Office (PMO), ensuring that Lagos State’s parastatals, agencies, and government-owned companies operate efficiently, transparently, and in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S + Agenda. His leadership has repositioned the office as a strategic driver of accountability, performance, and service delivery.

Strengthening Accountability

Under his supervision, PMO conducted a comprehensive inspection covering July 2024 to June 2025. Designed as a corrective and developmental process, it focused on transparency, financial compliance, due process, and value for money, encouraging agencies to pursue operational excellence. Management retreats, such as the three-day “Driving Oversight, Delivering Results” session, enhanced understanding of compliance, auditing, and performance management, strengthening service delivery across the public sector.

Hands-On Oversight

Obanikoro led an extensive Working Tour and On the Spot Assessment of thirty-five parastatals, agencies, and government-owned companies. These visits went beyond ceremonial routines, uncovering operational bottlenecks, identifying improvements, and reinforcing transparency and accountability. Strategic institutions visited included the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, LASTVEB, the Christian and Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, and Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited.

Collaboration and Strategic Engagement

Recognising that collaboration drives results, Obanikoro actively supported and enhanced existing platforms for dialogue among agency leaders, including the Parastatals Revenue Generating Meeting (PARGEM), Parastatals Interface (PARAFACE), and Stakeholders’ Synergy Meeting. By strengthening these forums, he improved inter-agency coordination, boosted revenue performance, and promoted solution-driven collective action.

Workforce Welfare and Institutional Trust

PMO, under his leadership, hosted the maiden Evaluation and Review of Contributory Pension Remittance for parastatals and agencies with directly recruited personnel. This exercise safeguarded public servants’ future and enhanced trust in pension administration across Lagos State.

Leadership Development and Project Monitoring

Obanikoro hosted the first retreat for CEOs of parastatals and agencies in January 2025, themed “Leadership and Good Governance: Strategies for Enhancing Performance, Service Delivery and Revenue Generation.” The retreat supported the fourth pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S + Agenda, advancing strong leadership and effective institutions. Additionally, a major project monitoring exercise covering twenty-five parastatals ensured judicious use of public funds and value for citizens.

A Transformational Year

Within a year, Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro has transformed oversight in Lagos State, turning it into a catalyst for efficiency, accountability, and enhanced service delivery. His contributions reflect the administration’s commitment to good governance, sustainable development, and building a globally competitive Lagos.