1st May, 2024
Lagos State Government had charged its officials and contractors in adhering to standard operating procedures on implementation and delivery of projects, programmes and policies of the government.
Speaking at a One-day Stakeholders’ forum on Monitoring and Evaluation Process with the theme “Unfreezing the path to precision in project documentation and valuation processes, Segun Sanwo-Olu, Executive Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Project Implementation and Monitoring said emphasis laid on implementing and delivering sustainable project is to ensure that development stands the test of time.
At the event held recently at Ostra Halls and Hotels, Ikeja, he urged contractors to key into the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s THEMES+ development agenda, highlighting that one of the facts of the developmental agenda is to ensure that implementation and execution of projects and programmes aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He said: “In this administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, one of the key things of the THEMES+ agenda is not just about projects, programmes, policies but the outcome of those projects. The emphasis is on the outcome because we want to ensure that the projects are aligned with the sustainable development goals and they can even better, give our unborn generation a future hope.
“The process in which we go through as contractors, regulators, governments before we finish or implement the project is as important as the outcome.”
Admonishing contractors, builders, government officials, he added “whatever actions and projects we embark on, we are building it with the future generation in mind. So, the focus is on implementing and building structures and projects today with the focus on tomorrow so that fifty years down the line, they are still functional.”
The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George earlier stated that the challenges and probable solutions offered at the forum would serve as a roadmap and would simplify the monitoring and evaluation processes.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Ibrahim Obajomo, noted that the valuation procedures help the state government to realize the value of monies spent on projects and programmes to the benefit of residents of the state.
His words, “The challenges and potential solutions identified during this forum will serve as a roadmap for stakeholders across the state, facilitating seamless monitoring and evaluation processes.
“The outcomes of today’s deliberations will further ensure that, through our teamwork and dedication, the state government realizes value for funds expended on projects, ultimately benefiting the citizens of Lagos State.”
Imploring all stakeholders to adhere strictly to the stated procedures in ensuring no room for errors, Mr. Fuad Oyede, Director, Monitoring and Evaluation Department of the Economic Planning ministry said inaccuracies such as incomplete documentation, omitted VAT rate etc. should be avoided so as not to give room for disqualification or delay in processing and execution of projects.