Lagos, CIPS Seal Pact to Strengthen Public Procurement Standards

 

R-L .The Director-General Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Fatai Idowu Onafowote and The Country Director- Nigeria Chattered Institute Of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), Mr. Chukudi Uche Signs Memoradium of Understanding to Support Enhancement of Lagos State's Procurement Capacity and Practices

By Kayode Olopade 

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Lagos State Government to enhance procurement capability and institutional practices across the state.

The agreement, signed on December 11, 2025, through the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (LSPPA), is aimed at promoting efficient, transparent and ethical procurement systems that will improve service delivery across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lagos, CIPS Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Chukwudi Uche, said the partnership aligns with CIPS’ mission to strengthen procurement capacity at all levels of governance. He noted that the collaboration would support Lagos State’s ambitious infrastructure development, expanded social services, economic growth and inclusive welfare agenda through globally accepted procurement standards.

According to Uche, the MoU provides a framework for capacity building and professional development of procurement officers, trusted advisory support on global best practices and policy reforms, joint training initiatives to strengthen ethics and transparency, and the continuous alignment of procurement competency and accreditation frameworks. The agreement also allows for joint projects, including donor-funded initiatives beneficial to procurement professionals and communities in Lagos.

Director-General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Fatai Idowu Onafowote, welcomed the partnership, describing it as a significant boost to the state’s ongoing procurement reforms. He said the collaboration with CIPS would help Lagos align more closely with global standards while equipping procurement personnel with the skills and tools needed for accountability, cost optimisation and effective public-sector performance.

The MoU reinforces Lagos State’s commitment to procurement reform and complements broader national efforts to strengthen governance, transparency and value-for-money in public expenditure.

CIPS is the world’s largest professional body for procurement and supply professionals and a strategic partner to Nigeria’s Bureau of Public Procurement, while the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency is statutorily mandated to ensure probity, accountability and transparency in public procurement across the state.