DG, LAGOS PROCUREMENT AGENCY COMMENDS ROLAC FOR SUPPORT ON CAPACITY BUILDING
The Director-General, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Fatai Idowu Onafowote, has commended the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme for the continuous support the Agency has been receiving from the organisation on the training of Procurement Officers in the State.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of a two-day training programme on Strategic and Sustainable Procurement organised by the Agency in collaboration with ROLAC for selected Procurement Officers in the State, Mr. Onafowote pointed out that the Agency is proud to be associated with ROLAC because the objectives of the organisation aimed at eliminating all forms of corrupt practices align with the Lagos State Government’s policy on inclusiveness, transparency and accountability in the conduct of the business of government.
The Director-General further pointed out that the training programme was designed to equip participants with practical skills and legal insight towards eliminating observed challenges, ensuring compliance with due process and empowering participants for strategic and sustainable procurement in the State.
He also stated that the Agency will continue to partner with ROLAC and similar organisations whose aims and objectives are in tandem with those of the Agency and the State Government so that public procurement can continue to play effective role in the management of public resources and delivery of public goods and services to the people of the State, thereby enhancing good governance.
Mr. Onafowote urged participants to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the training programme so that the laudable objectives for organising the programme could be fully achieved, adding that participants must always stand up for diligence and due process.
Also speaking at the event, the Lead/Senior Consultant, Mr. Chibuzor Ekwekwuo, stressed the need for procurement practitioners to pay more attention to Environmental Impact Assessment and sustainability of projects, adding that public procurement should be concerned with the social, environmental, health, economic and life cycle of projects.
Mr. Ekwekwuo also pointed out that procurement should also be interested in the labour practices of companies handling the implementation of government projects, noting that the economy can be stimulated or stagnated through the choices made in procurement practices.
In her opening remarks at the event, the Lagos State Coordinator of ROLAC, Mrs. Ajibola Ijimakinwa, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency and its Director-General for partnering with the organisation towards eliminating corruption in public procurement, ensuring inclusiveness and strengthening the rule of law.
Mrs. Ijimakinwa also disclosed that ROLAC is funded by the European Union while the Programme is implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International Idea).
Participants at the two-day training programme are Procurement Officers drawn from Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Lagos State as well as those from Local Governments/Local Council Development Areas and tertiary institutions of the State.
Oladapo Olatunde
Director, Public Affairs
Lagos State Public Procurement Agency
Last modified: March 26, 2025
