LAGOS PPA TRAINS PROCUREMENT OFFICERS ON E-EVALUATION MODULE TO ADVANCE DIGITAL REFORMS

 

By Kayode Olopade 

In a significant move to enhance transparency and efficiency in public procurement, the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (LSPPA) has successfully concluded a two-day intensive training on the e-Evaluation module—an essential component of the State’s e-Procurement system.

Held at the Amber Residence Conference Room in GRA, Ikeja, the training aimed to build capacity across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as part of LSPPA’s ongoing digital reform agenda.

Declaring the session open, the Director-General of LSPPA, Mr. Fatai Idowu Onafowote, emphasized that the training was designed to familiarize participants with the functionalities of the e-Evaluation module, ensure a thorough understanding of the automated evaluation workflow, and reinforce compliance with the Agency’s bid evaluation standards. He noted that the initiative seeks to promote objectivity, fairness, and transparency throughout the procurement evaluation process.

Mr. Onafowote encouraged attendees to remain passionate and committed to excellence in their roles, noting that professionalism and a strategic approach are essential for career growth and public trust. He highlighted Lagos State’s leadership in e-procurement innovation, urging participants to adopt the digital tools with a positive mindset and become change agents within their respective MDAs.

He further stated that the e-Evaluation module marks a critical milestone in Lagos State’s transition toward a fully digital procurement lifecycle, which includes e-Registration, e-Tendering, e-Bidding, e-Evaluation, e-Publishing, e-Notification, and e-Award. As the e-Evaluation platform gains traction, MDAs must align with best practices to minimize manual errors, maintain procurement integrity, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Mr. Onafowote assured participants that the training would deepen their operational knowledge of the e-Procurement system, enabling them to manage digital processes more effectively.

In his closing remarks, Director of Procurement, Mr. Akintunde Subair, expressed sincere appreciation to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his continued support in the professional development of procurement officers. He highlighted that Lagos State’s advancements in procurement practices have earned it recognition as a leading sub-national entity in East Africa.

Mr. Subair urged participants to be attentive and proactive during the training, positioning themselves as future trainers and champions of the e-Evaluation module. “The best way to show gratitude for the government’s support is to work harder and continually improve our procurement systems,” he stated.

The training brought together procurement officers, bid evaluators, and key stakeholders to enhance technical competence in using the e-Evaluation module in line with state procurement laws and global best practices.

The two-day workshop combined theoretical insights with hands-on exercises. Participants received a comprehensive overview of the e-Procurement ecosystem and a step-by-step guide to the digital bid evaluation process. Emphasis was placed on three core stages: Preliminary Examination, Detailed Financial Evaluation, and Post-Qualification Assessment.

By the end of the training, participants had successfully navigated the e-Evaluation interface and demonstrated a strong understanding of the digital scoring methodology. Evaluators reported increased confidence in applying criteria accurately and consistently in a digital environment. The importance of documentation, transparency, and collaboration—particularly with Bid Administrators—was also strongly reinforced.

Several participants described the training as “practical and timely,” praising the real-time scenario walkthroughs for making the system more accessible. Some requested additional sessions focused on the Post-Qualification phase to further explore complex case scenarios.