UN Women Delegation Pays Courtesy Visit to Lagos State Public Procurement Agency to Advance Gender-Responsive Procurement
A high-level delegation from UN Women has paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency to strengthen collaboration in promoting gender equality through public procurement practices.
The visit, led by Ms. Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, underscores the growing partnership between UN Women and the Agency in implementing Gender-Responsive Procurement (GRP) frameworks. The delegation was warmly received by the Director-General of the Agency, Mr. Fatai Idowu Onafowote, along with senior officials and procurement experts.
In his welcome remarks, Mr. Onafowote expressed appreciation for the partnership and reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to gender equality. He emphasized the importance of empowering women-owned businesses, noting that, “The THEMES+ Agenda of the Lagos State Government ensures women are fully empowered to participate in the economy. Working with UN Women strengthens our ability to deliver on this commitment and support sustainable, inclusive growth.”
Also speaking during the visit, Ms. Adeola Sanwo, the UN Women Focal Person, highlighted the successes of the affirmative procurement initiative in Lagos. She explained that the UN Women, in collaboration with the African Development Bank, is implementing a program titled “Women’s Economic Empowerment through Affirmative Procurement in Nigeria.” The initiative focuses on building the capacity of women-led businesses while enhancing the responsiveness of procurement institutions.
Ms. Sanwo emphasized that the initiative aligns with the THEMES+ Agenda, particularly its focus on social inclusion, gender equality, and youth empowerment, positioning Lagos State as a progressive and inclusive megacity.
In her remarks, Ms. Eyong commended the support of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his administration’s commitment to gender equality and efforts to address gender-based violence. She also praised the First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for her active involvement in gender advocacy initiatives.
“Public procurement is a powerful tool for promoting women’s economic empowerment,” Ms. Eyong noted. “By ensuring that women-owned businesses have fair access to procurement opportunities, we can help close the gender gap and drive inclusive development.”
She further expressed hope that the affirmative procurement policy and executive order on Gender Responsive Procurement would soon be signed by the Governor. As part of the visit, Ms. Eyong officially commissioned the newly established Gender Desk Office at the Agency. The office will provide guidance to women entrepreneurs on how to register and participate in public procurement processes.
The delegation also visited the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to commend their support for women’s economic empowerment activities across the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Onigbanjo Rianat Said the Governor is really passionate about the gender equality programme. and assured them that the State Government is attending to their proposal, and believe their requests will be granted very soon
This visit marks a significant milestone in fostering institutional partnerships that leverage public procurement as a catalyst for women’s empowerment and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on achieving gender equality.
Ayoola Akanji
Head, Public Affairs Unit.
Lagos State Public Procurement Agency
Last modified: June 13, 2025
