14th February, 2025
The Lagos State Government has issued a no-nonsense directive to its newly recruited and converted procurement officers, warning that corruption, negligence, or any breach of due process will attract severe penalties.
The government made it clear that any officer caught engaging in fraudulent procurement practices would face the full wrath of the law.
At the opening of a two-day induction programme, the Director-General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Fatai Idowu Onafowote, charged the officers with the responsibility of safeguarding public resources, stressing that their role is critical in maintaining transparency and efficiency in governance.
Onafowote left no room for doubt, declaring that Lagos would not tolerate any attempt to manipulate procurement processes or engage in underhand dealings.
He reminded the inductees that public service is a call to duty, not a gateway to illicit enrichment.
“You must brace up for the challenges ahead and be prepared to make sacrifices to keep the Lagos Public Service vibrant and progressive. Any officer found guilty of breaching procurement regulations—either deliberately or through negligence—will face strict disciplinary actions,” he warned.
He emphasized that procurement officers must adhere to established rules and regulations, adding that there are severe consequences for those who attempt to circumvent due process.
The DG urged the inductees to embrace discipline, diligence, and teamwork, stating that loyalty, innovation, and professionalism are highly valued in the Lagos State Public Service.
He advised them to continuously seek knowledge through training and capacity development, noting that those who go the extra mile would stand out in their careers.
The two-day programme featured presentations from industry experts on Public Procurement Law, Civil Service Ethics, Budgeting Procedures, Digital Skills, and e-Procurement, equipping the officers with essential knowledge to carry out their duties efficiently.
