Lagos Procurement DG declares war on corruption, hails ROLAC’s support

The Director-General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Fatai Idowu Onafowote, has hailed the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme for its unwavering support in strengthening procurement integrity and eliminating corrupt practices in Lagos State.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day training on Strategic and Sustainable Procurement, organised in collaboration with ROLAC, Onafowote underscored the critical role of capacity building in ensuring transparency, accountability, and due process in government contracts.

He emphasised that the Lagos State Government remains committed to a corruption-free procurement system, aligning with ROLAC’s mission to promote ethical governance.

The training, he said, is designed to equip procurement officers with practical skills and legal insight to tackle compliance challenges and drive sustainable procurement practices.

Onafowote reaffirmed the Agency’s readiness to collaborate with organisations committed to upholding procurement integrity, stressing that effective public procurement is key to managing public resources efficiently and delivering essential services.

He urged participants to embrace the training as an opportunity to enhance diligence and compliance.

Lead Consultant, Mr. Chibuzor Ekwekwuo, called for greater attention to Environmental Impact Assessments and sustainability in procurement, stressing that public contracts should prioritise social, economic, and environmental benefits.

He also highlighted the need for procurement officers to scrutinise the labour practices of companies executing government projects, noting that procurement decisions can either stimulate or weaken the economy.

ROLAC’s Lagos State Coordinator, Mrs. Ajibola Ijimakinwa, lauded the partnership with the Procurement Agency, affirming that ROLAC—funded by the European Union and implemented by International IDEA—remains committed to strengthening the rule of law and eliminating corruption in public procurement.

The training brought together procurement officers from ministries, agencies, local councils, and tertiary institutions across Lagos State, equipping them with tools to reinforce accountability and ethical governance.