Lagos warns contractors, others against practices that undermine public trust

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State Government has warned contractors, consultants, suppliers and other service providers against engaging in practices capable of undermining public trust, delaying project execution or compromising quality standards, insisting that only credible and competent operators will continue to enjoy government support.

The Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Olabode Agoro, gave the warning on Wednesday at the 2026 Procurement Stakeholders’ Forum organised by the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (LSPPA) at Watercress Hotel, Allen Avenue, Ikeja.

Agoro, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Abdulrafiu Fashola,  said stakeholders in the procurement value chain must uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency and professionalism to ensure that public resources are effectively deployed for the benefit of Lagos residents.

“We must continue to discourage practices that undermine public trust, delay project execution, or compromise quality standards. Government will continue to support credible and competent service providers who demonstrate professionalism, timely delivery, and value for money,” he said.

The HoS stressed that public procurement remains one of the most critical instruments for achieving effective governance and ensuring that public funds translate into meaningful development outcomes for citizens.

According to him, the state government places a high premium on transparency, accountability, due process and professionalism in procurement administration as part of efforts to sustain public confidence and strengthen institutional integrity.

Agoro noted that service providers occupy a strategic position in the procurement value chain and should not be viewed merely as vendors to government, but as development partners whose competence and integrity directly impact the quality of public infrastructure and services.

“Contractors, consultants, suppliers and other professionals are not merely vendors to Government; they are partners in development. The quality of roads we drive on, the schools our children attend, the hospitals serving our communities, and the public infrastructure shaping our economy are direct reflections of the competence and integrity of service providers engaged by Government,” he said.

Speaking on the theme of the forum, “Solid Foundations: Service Providers as the Bedrock of a Prosperous Lagos,” Agoro said sustainable development and shared prosperity could only be achieved when governance structures are built on integrity, efficiency, professionalism and strong partnerships.

He observed that Lagos State had continued to maintain its position as a model of innovation, economic growth and public sector transformation in Nigeria, attributing the state’s achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, transportation, housing, technology and social services to prudent management of public resources and effective collaboration with service providers.

Agoro further stressed that the future prosperity of Lagos would depend largely on the strength of the systems and institutions being built today.

“A prosperous Lagos cannot be built on weak systems, poor service delivery, or compromised standards. Rather, it must rest on a foundation of excellence, innovation, compliance, and responsible partnership between Government and the private sector,” he stated.

He urged service providers to continually build capacity, embrace innovation and fully comply with procurement guidelines in order to deliver quality services that would positively impact the lives of Lagosians.

Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Fatai Idowu Onafowote, described service providers as indispensable partners in the state’s development journey, stressing that no government could achieve sustainable growth and development without dependable and competent contractors, consultants, suppliers and other procurement stakeholders.

Onafowote said the theme of the forum underscored the critical role service providers play in the execution of government policies, infrastructure delivery and socio-economic transformation across the state.

According to him, every successful government initiative, from roads and schools to hospitals, housing schemes, ICT infrastructure and environmental projects, depends largely on the professionalism, integrity, competence and dedication of service providers.

“Service providers constitute the foundation upon which public projects and essential services are built. A prosperous Lagos cannot be built on weak foundations. It requires strong institutions, transparent systems, ethical procurement practices, and reliable stakeholders who are committed to excellence and timely delivery,” he said.

He noted that as Africa’s leading megacity and economic hub, Lagos continues to experience rapid growth and increasing demand for infrastructure and public services, making it imperative for the procurement system to evolve in line with global best practices while ensuring fairness, competitiveness and inclusiveness.

Onafowote disclosed that the agency remained committed to strengthening the procurement process through capacity building, stakeholder engagement, digital innovation and strict compliance with procurement regulations.

“We believe that procurement is not merely a transactional process but a strategic tool for economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable development,” he said.

He further urged contractors and suppliers to execute projects according to specifications, within approved timelines and with the highest level of accountability, warning against actions capable of undermining quality, delaying project execution or eroding public trust.

The Director-General added that the forum would provide stakeholders with an opportunity to address challenges within the procurement value chain, exchange ideas and contribute recommendations that would help improve procurement processes and service delivery across the state.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining an open-door policy that encourages constructive engagement and partnership, while creating a procurement environment that supports innovation, empowers local businesses, promotes healthy competition and contributes to the economic prosperity of Lagos State.

In his speech, the Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Procurement, Samuel Apata, reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to supporting policies and legal frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, competitiveness and professionalism within the state’s procurement system.

Apata described public procurement as a critical tool for driving sustainable development and economic prosperity, stressing the need for continued collaboration among government institutions, service providers and other stakeholders.

“The Lagos State House of Assembly remains committed to supporting policies and legislative frameworks that promote efficiency, fairness, competitiveness, and professionalism within the procurement system. We will continue to provide the necessary oversight functions to ensure compliance with procurement laws and the effective utilisation of public funds for the benefit of Lagosians,” he said.

The lawmaker noted that dialogue and collaboration remained essential for identifying challenges, improving operational efficiency and strengthening institutional capacity across the procurement value chain.

Addressing contractors, consultants, suppliers and other service providers, Apata reminded them that their responsibilities extend beyond securing contracts, describing them as strategic partners in the development agenda of Lagos State.

“To our service providers here present, permit me to emphasise that your responsibilities go beyond securing contracts. You are strategic partners in the development agenda of Lagos State. The success of government projects and programmes largely depends on your integrity, competence, commitment to quality, and timely execution of projects,” he stated.

He urged stakeholders to work collectively to eliminate practices that compromise standards, delay project delivery or undermine public confidence in government projects and programmes.

“Government and stakeholders must continue to work together to eliminate practices that compromise standards, delay projects, or undermine public confidence. We must collectively build a procurement environment founded on trust, professionalism, and accountability,” Apata added.

According to him, the vision of a prosperous Lagos can only be realised through strong foundations rooted in ethical conduct, transparency, innovation, regulatory compliance and a shared commitment to sustainable development.

He further encouraged stakeholders to invest in capacity building, embrace modern procurement practices and remain committed to delivering quality services that positively impact the lives of Lagos residents.

Apata urged participants at the forum to contribute meaningfully to discussions and work collectively towards building a procurement system that aligns with global standards and supports the vision of a greater Lagos.