LAGOS STATE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT AGENCY HOLDS 2025 STAKEHOLDERS’ FORUM
The Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (LSPPA) successfully hosted its 2025 Stakeholders’ Forum, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance in public procurement processes across the state.
Delivering the keynote address, the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, represented by Permanent Secretary, Public Service office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola, commended the Agency for its significant transformation of the public procurement landscape in Lagos State. He noted that the Agency has become a model of excellence—both nationally and internationally—by ensuring cost-effectiveness, transparency, and enhanced accountability in the management of public resources.
“Through the judicious exercise of its regulatory mandate, the Agency has restored stakeholders’ confidence and reinforced the integrity of public procurement in the State,” Mr. Agoro stated. “It now stands as a benchmark for institutional reform and global best practices in governance.”
While acknowledging the Agency’s achievements, Mr. Agoro emphasized the importance of continuous improvement, noting that no system is without its challenges. He described this year’s forum—focused on “Sustainable Procurement in a Customer-Centered Service Delivery System”—as an opportunity for reflection, evaluation, and strategic dialogue.
“The forum provides a vital platform for stakeholders to explore innovative ways to enhance procurement processes, ultimately leading to more efficient service delivery,” he said.
Mr. Agoro also reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s belief in inclusive governance. “We strongly support stakeholder participation in the design and implementation of policies and programmes. When both public and private sector voices are heard, outcomes are more people-oriented and effective,” he added.
In his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Procurement at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Samuel Apata, urged continued collaboration between the Agency and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure the effective delivery of goods and services. He also called on all stakeholders to strictly comply with the Public Procurement Law, adhere to due process, and fulfill all tax and levy obligations.
Representing the Honourable Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the Agency’s Governing Board, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Mahmud Tajudeen Alao, emphasized the need for public procurement to evolve alongside the business environment.
“As a forward-thinking government, we must remain agile, innovative, and responsive to emerging challenges,” he said. “Regular engagements like this forum are critical for fostering compliance and building mutual trust between the government and its contractors, suppliers, and consultants.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director-General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Idowu Onafowote, reiterated the forum’s purpose as a platform for knowledge sharing, stakeholder engagement, and raising awareness of key issues affecting service providers in the state’s procurement ecosystem.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor of Lagos State for his unwavering support for equity, fairness, and inclusiveness in governance. According to him, the State Government remains committed to ensuring that every citizen is a stakeholder and contributor to the state’s prosperity.
Highlighting the Agency’s efforts to promote inclusivity, Mr. Onafowote revealed the establishment of a Gender Desk— a dedicated support unit designed to assist women entrepreneurs in navigating the procurement system.
“This initiative is already making public procurement more accessible to women-led businesses and driving broader participation in government contracting,” he added.
The 2025 Stakeholders’ Forum featured interactive sessions with key institutions and agencies that directly impact the ease of doing business within Lagos State’s procurement framework, providing a robust avenue for dialogue, innovation, and partnership.
AKANJI AYOOLA AFUSAT
HEAD, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
24th July, 2025.
Last modified: July 26, 2025
