Lagos State Strengthens Procurement Governance at Procurement Planning Clinic
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public procurement as key stakeholders gathered for a Procurement Planning Clinic organized by the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (LSPPA).
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Agency, Mr. Fatai Idowu Onafowote, described procurement planning as the cornerstone of effective budget implementation and service delivery.
He emphasized that procurement planning is not a routine administrative task, but a strategic process that determines whether government programmes are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with required quality standards.
On behalf of the management and staff of the Agency, Mr. Onafowote commended the Governor of Lagos State for his unwavering commitment to good governance, fiscal discipline, and institutional reforms, noting that these efforts continue to position Lagos State as a leader in public sector innovation in Nigeria.
He explained that the clinic was convened to ensure that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) align their procurement plans with approved budgets, cash-flow realities, and the development priorities of the State Government.
According to him, effective procurement planning helps eliminate waste, reduce delays, and enhance coordination across MDAs.
Mr. Onafowote further noted that public procurement accounts for a significant proportion of government expenditure, placing a critical responsibility on procurement officers to shape service delivery, infrastructure development, economic participation, and public confidence in government.
He stressed that procurement processes across MDAs must strictly comply with the Lagos State Public Procurement Law and be guided by transparency, openness, value for money, timely execution, and professional ethics.
He added that the Agency continues to strengthen procurement oversight through the standardization of documents, capacity building, and the deployment of digital tools to improve efficiency and transparency.
He assured participants of the Agency’s ongoing technical support and monitoring.
Also speaking at the clinic, the Chairman House Committee on permanent procurement the Lagos State House Hon. Samuel Apata, reaffirmed the Legislature’s strong interest in procurement planning and execution, describing public procurement as central to public finance management and service delivery.
He commended the LSPPA for its consistent efforts in promoting transparency, professionalism, and value for money in public spending.
He noted that procurement is the channel through which budgetary provisions are translated into tangible outcomes such as roads, schools, healthcare facilities, security infrastructure, and social interventions that directly impact citizens.
Hon. Apata explained that the role of the House Committee on Procurement is to provide oversight and ensure that public resources are utilized strictly in accordance with the law, approved budgets, and principles of accountability and transparency.
He stressed that compliance with the Lagos State Public Procurement Law is a statutory obligation, not optional.
According to him, effective procurement planning reduces the incidence of abandoned or poorly executed projects and enhances legislative oversight through clearer procurement records and timelines.
He assured participants that the Legislature remains a partner in progress, supporting reforms that promote efficiency, digitalization, local content development, and capacity building, while exercising its oversight powers where necessary.
In his address, the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Internal Audit, Mrs. Mosurat Alaka, emphasized the importance of professionalism and discipline in procurement activities across MDAs. Commending the Agency for organizing the clinic, she noted that procurement planning is a critical discipline that requires foresight, coordination, and strict adherence to rules.
She explained that poor planning leads to delays, waste, and inefficiencies, while sound planning promotes timely execution, cost control, and value for money. Accounting Officers, Directors, and Heads of Procurement Units were urged to ensure that procurement activities are handled by well-trained officers who uphold ethical and professional standards.
The Office of the Head of Service reaffirmed its commitment to continuous capacity building, performance management, and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening competence and accountability within the procurement cadre. Participants were encouraged to use the clinic as an opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, clarify grey areas, and adopt best practices that would improve project delivery across MDAs.
The Procurement Planning Clinic concluded with a collective call for integrity, diligence, and shared responsibility among procurement stakeholders. Speakers agreed that when properly managed, public procurement remains a powerful tool for development and a key driver of sustainable growth and public trust in Lagos State.
