Govt harps on transparency in procurement

The Director-General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr Fatai Onafowote, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening due process in public procurement across the state.

According to a statement issued by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Oladapo Olatunde, Onafowote made this known during the opening ceremony of a technical training programme titled “Fundamentals of Public Procurement Process: Sustainable Procurement Empowerment Drive”, organised for selected procurement officers from various ministries, departments, and agencies.

Speaking at the event, Onafowote said the training was designed to ensure that participants gain “a good grasp and understanding of the basic documents, record-keeping in public procurement and the procurement process in general.”

He emphasised the importance of the training, noting that participants must become knowledgeable and well-versed in every aspect of the procurement process to be regarded as true professionals.

The Director-General stressed the need for participants to be knowledgeable and versed in all aspects of the training programme before they could be regarded and respected as true professionals in procurement,” the statement read.

Onafowote also urged the officers to familiarise themselves thoroughly with the state Public Procurement Agency Law 2021, as well as the procurement guidelines and regulations.

He stated, “It is important that you acquaint yourselves with the relevant laws and guidelines so you can play your roles effectively as procurement officers in your various ministries, departments, and agencies.”

He further charged them to justify the significant investment the state government is making in their training by applying their knowledge and skills to ensure that government resources are efficiently and sustainably managed for the provision of goods and services to the people.

In addition, Onafowote warned the officers against any attempt to circumvent due process or engage in corrupt practices, stating that such actions would not be tolerated.