By Kayode Olopade
The Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, has lauded the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (PPA) for its outstanding achievements and transformative role in public procurement since its establishment. He made this known on Thursday during the 2025 Stakeholders’ Forum of the Agency, held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.
Speaking through the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola, the Head of Service commended the Agency for its consistent efforts at entrenching transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of public resources.
He noted that the Agency had significantly reshaped the procurement landscape in Lagos, positioning itself as a beacon of excellence not only within Nigeria but across the continent.
> “Through its regulatory mandate, the Agency has restored stakeholder confidence and reinforced integrity in public procurement. It is now widely regarded as a benchmark for institutional reform and global best practices in governance,” Agoro stated.
Themed “Sustainable Procurement in a Customer-Friendly Environment”, the 2025 Forum brought together contractors, financial institutions, ministries, and other stakeholders to deliberate on innovative strategies to improve procurement processes and service delivery across the State.
Mr. Agoro emphasized the importance of collaboration between government entities and private sector actors, especially in the face of rising public expectations and limited resources.
> “In today’s reality, collaboration is not only important—it is imperative. Inclusive governance that integrates the voices of both public and private stakeholders leads to more responsive and impactful outcomes,” he said.
He further urged the leadership of the Procurement Agency to thoroughly review and integrate suggestions and feedback generated during the forum into its operational policies to strengthen compliance with procurement laws and improve service delivery.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Fatai Idowu Onafowote, reiterated the Agency’s commitment to promoting good governance through efficient procurement practices.
> “Procurement plays a central role in promoting transparency and accountability in governance. This forum is not just a tradition but a strategic necessity, providing a platform to share ideas and strengthen collaboration with key institutions,” Onafowote said.
He acknowledged the participation of contractors and emphasized the Agency’s resolve to remain responsive to concerns raised by stakeholders. According to him, the Sanwo-Olu administration remains committed to enhancing the ease of doing business in Lagos, and the Procurement Agency will continue to play a central role in realizing this vision.
Representatives of key ministries and institutions made technical presentations aimed at addressing critical issues in procurement.
The Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Amodu Tajudeen, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of tax compliance in contractor registration. He noted that the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) would provide clarity on tax obligations to guide service providers appropriately.
Similarly, the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment outlined strategies for fostering entrepreneurship and creating job1 opportunities within the procurement framework. Insurance companies were also on hand to offer guidance on Advance Payment Guarantees (APG) and Performance Guarantees (PG), which are crucial to managing procurement-related risks.
The forum also featured interactive sessions with representatives from banks and financial institutions who discussed tailored loan products and financing opportunities for procurement service providers
One of the keynote speakers, Mrs. Bola Adeniran, highlighted the importance of accuracy in project documentation and called for swift escalation of issues that may arise on project sites.
> “Contractors must be meticulous in their operations. Discrepancies must be reported with clear documentation and photographic evidence to ensure prompt resolution,” she advised.
In the same vein, Mrs. Adeola Sanwo urged service providers to exercise caution during registration and uploading of company data on the government procurement platform. She warned that mistakes in documentation—such as inaccurate contact details or incomplete CVs—often lead to rejections.
> “We reject submissions from individuals under 18 years and enforce strict documentation rules. Contractors must ensure their submissions are complete, correct, and professional,” she said.
She also informed attendees that the Procurement Office operates Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. upwards.
Addressing participants on wellness, Mrs. Folashade Ajayi stressed the importance of mental health, especially for entrepreneurs and civil servants involved in demanding procurement processes.
> “Sleep well, talk it out, recharge daily, and maintain healthy interactions. These simple habits can improve focus and reduce stress,” she advised.
In his goodwill message, Chairman of the House Committee on Procurement, Hon. Samuel Apata, applauded the Procurement Agency and promised legislative support to ensure it continues to meet public expectations. He also urged contractors and stakeholders to remain law-abiding and committed to the reforms underway.
The event drew participation from high-ranking officials including the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Engr. Abdulafiz Toriola; Mrs. Sanusi; Mr. Ahmed Lawal; Mrs. Ibironke of LASACO Assurance, and Engr. Sola Sasore of the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement.
The Stakeholders’ Forum ended on a high note with participants reaffirming their commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and innovation in Lagos State’s procurement ecosystem
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