R-L: Chairman, House Committee on Procurement Mr Samuel Olufemi Apata, PS WAPA Mrs Rainat Ajibike Onigbanjo, PS LASIEC Mr Abdul- Rafiu Omowole Fashola and Director General LAPPA Mr Fatai Idowu Onafowote
By Kayode Olopade
The Lagos State Government on Wednesday intensified efforts to bridge the gap between technical procurement procedures and strategic business goals while promoting transparency, accountability, and collaboration among stakeholders.
Speaking at the 2026 Annual Stakeholders' Forum held at Watercress Hotel, Ikeja, the Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission,(LASIEC) Mr. Abdul-Rafiu omowale Fashola stated that today's economies are largely knowledge-driven, underscoring the importance of platform that facilitate engagement, learning, and the exchange of ideas among stakeholders.
He noted that the role of the business Community and investors in the development of Lagos State cannot be overemphasized, as they remain critical partners in the State’s quest for sustainable economic prosperity
According to him, the contributions of stakeholders towards enhancing revenue generation and expanding the State’s tax base are highly valued and duly recognized by the government.
He further commended the Board and management of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency for organizing the forum, describing it as a strategic initiative aimed at strengthen collaboration, fostering mutual understanding, and promoting best practices in Public Procurement.
Agoro emphasized that transparency, accountability, and stakeholders engagement remain fundamental pillars of the State Government procurement framework, adding that the forum provides an avenue for addressing challenges, sharing experiences, and exploring innovative solutions that will improve service delivery and ensure value for money in public spending
He urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the forum to acquire invaluable knowledge and deepen their understanding of procurement processes and procedures. According to him, such knowledge will support informed business decisions and strengthen participation in government procurement activities.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on Procurement, Hon. Samuel Apata, commended the Agency for its consistent efforts in promoting best practices and creating platforms for engagement with stakeholders.
He noted that dialogue and collaboration are essential for identifying challenges, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening institutional capacity.
Apata stated that the Lagos State House of Assembly remains committed to supporting policies and legislative frameworks that promote efficiency, fairness, competitiveness, and professionalism within the procurement system.
"We will continue to provide the necessary oversight functions to ensure compliance with procurement laws and the effective utilization of public funds for the benefit of Lagosians," he said.
He further stressed the need for government and stakeholders to work together to eliminate practices that compromise standards, delay projects, or undermine public confidence.
"We must collectively build a procurement environment founded on trust, professionalism, and accountability," he added.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director-General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Fatai Idowu Onafowote, described service providers as the foundation upon which public projects and essential services are built.
According to him, no government can achieve sustainable growth without dependable and competent service providers, contractors, consultants, suppliers, and other procurement stakeholders who remain strategic partners in the execution of government policies, infrastructure delivery, and socio-economic transformation.
He noted that the 2026 Stakeholders' Forum, themed "Solid Foundations: Service Providers as the Bedrock of a Prosperous Lagos," is both timely and significant.
"A prosperous Lagos cannot be built on weak foundations. It requires strong institutions, transparent systems, ethical procurement practices, and reliable stakeholders who are committed to excellence and timely delivery," he said.
Onafowote stated that the forum provides another opportunity for stakeholders to engage, reflect, exchange ideas, and strengthen the collaborative relationship between government and service providers who play critical roles in the development of the State.
He commended the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to good governance, and continuous support for procurement reforms aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, efficiency, and value for money in public service delivery.
"As Africa's leading megacity and economic hub, Lagos continues to experience rapid growth and increasing demand for infrastructure and public services. In response to these demands, the procurement system must continue to evolve in line with global best practices while ensuring fairness, competitiveness, and inclusiveness," Onafowote stated.
Addressing participants further, he reaffirmed the Agency's commitment to continue strengthening the procurement process through capacity building, stakeholder engagement, digital innovation, and strict compliance with procurement regulations.
"We believe that procurement is not merely a transactional process but a strategic tool for economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable development," he said.
Onafowote emphasized that professionalism and integrity must remain the guiding principles of all service providers. He noted that government expects contractors and suppliers to execute projects according to specifications, within approved timelines, and with the highest level of accountability.
"We must collectively reject practices that undermine quality, delay project execution, or compromise public trust," he said.
He added that the Agency would continue to maintain an open-door policy that encourages constructive engagement and partnership.
"We are determined to create a procurement environment that supports innovation, empowers local businesses, promotes healthy competition, and ultimately contributes to the economic prosperity of Lagos State," Onafowote concluded.
In her presentation, the Head of Contractor Registration of the Agency, Ms. Adeola Sanwo, provided a clear and comprehensive guide on the requirements and procedures for businesses seeking to register or renew their status with the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (LSPPA). She enlightened contractors on the proper preparation and submission of essential compliance documents required for registration and profile updates.
Expanding on the theoretical and practical foundations of procurement reforms, the Chief Procurement Officer in the Monitoring, Enforcement and Compliance Department of the Agency, Mr. Akintayo Ogundare, delivered an insightful presentation titled, “Understanding Procurement Excellence: A Catalyst for Sustainable Development.” His presentation highlighted the critical role of effective procurement practices in promoting transparency, accountability, value for money, and sustainable economic growth.
During the experience-sharing session, several stakeholders expressed satisfaction with the Agency's e-registration and e-bidding platforms, noting that the digital processes have significantly improved efficiency and transparency. They, however, appealed to the Agency to further enhance the accessibility, clarity, and user-friendliness of the e-registration platform to minimize errors and misunderstandings, particularly during registration upgrades and profile updates.
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