Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in public procurement.
He made this assertion at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Annual Procurement Planning Clinic organised by the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (LSPPA) at the Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC) on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
Commending the agency for its dedication to due process, Agoro highlighted Lagos State’s leadership in e-Government Procurement (e-GP), attributing its success to the integration of technology and the unwavering commitment of procurement officers.
The HoS, who was represented by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Engr. Hafiz Toriola, noted that the World Bank has pledged additional support to further enhance the agency’s efficiency and regulatory functions.
“The Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, remains committed to investing in the continuous training and retraining of procurement officers. This is aimed at equipping them with the necessary skills to enhance efficiency in service delivery,” Agoro stated.
He emphasised that the Procurement Planning Clinic played a crucial role in ensuring the effective execution of the 2025 approved budget.
According to him, proper procurement planning is essential for delivering infrastructural development, strengthening security, and improving the welfare of Lagos residents.
Agoro charged procurement officers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that their procurement plans aligned with the state’s vision as outlined in the 2025 budget.
He urged them to provide professional guidance to their accounting officers to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of public resources.
“The Procurement Planning Clinic offers an opportunity for procurement officers to present their plans for review, ensuring alignment with the approved budget and identifying necessary adjustments,” he added.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Fatai Idowu Onafowote, assured residents, business communities, and investors that the proposed N3 trillion Lagos State budget for 2025 is achievable through seamless procurement implementation.
Onafowote stressed the importance of equipping procurement officers with the necessary knowledge and expertise to align with the vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in making Lagos a 21st-century economy, as outlined in the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.
He urged both internal and external stakeholders to uphold good governance practices to foster investor confidence in the state.
Describing the Procurement Planning Clinic as the foundation for budget implementation, Onafowote explained that the clinic was designed to scrutinise and review procurement plans from MDAs and LGAs/LCDAs to ensure alignment with government objectives.
“The clinic ensures that procurement plans align with the approved budget and reinforces the agency’s commitment to proper budget implementation to meet the needs of Lagos residents as envisioned by the governor,” he stated.
He further reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to entrenching due process in public procurement and ensuring compliance with the Lagos State Procurement Law and all relevant regulations.
