How Tinubu Used Performance Scorecards to Hold Lagos Commissioners Accountable as Governor
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
A Governance Style Rooted in Accountability
When Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR served as the Governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, one of his most notable administrative strategies was the introduction of a performance scorecard system for his commissioners. Akahi News learnt that this system involved a periodic assessment of each commissioner’s work, measuring their performance against set targets and the administration’s overall development agenda.
Public Release of Commissioner Scorecards
What made the process even more remarkable was its transparency. After each round of assessment, the performance scorecards were published in newspapers, allowing the public to see how each commissioner was performing.
Observers noted that this not only improved accountability but also put pressure on political appointees to deliver tangible results within their ministries. Lagos residents could track the progress of government projects, while commissioners knew their work—or lack of it—would be subject to public scrutiny.
Impact on Governance and Legacy
Analysts believe this approach contributed to Lagos State’s reputation for administrative innovation during Tinubu’s tenure. By linking governance to measurable outcomes, the system reportedly helped drive reforms in sectors such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
It also set a precedent for future administrations in the state, encouraging a culture of performance-based governance rather than political patronage alone.
Lessons for Present-Day Leadership
With Bola Ahmed Tinubu now serving as Nigeria’s President, some political commentators suggest that reviving such transparent performance monitoring could enhance accountability at the federal level.
“Publishing scorecards worked for Lagos; it can work for Nigeria too,” a governance expert told Akahi News.
Whether this model will re-emerge under his current administration remains to be seen, but many Nigerians believe it could help rebuild public trust in government institutions.
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