The Director-General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Fatai Onafowote, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to upholding due process in public procurement across the state.
In a statement issued by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Oladapo Olatunde, Onafowote made this known at the opening of a technical training programme titled “Fundamentals of Public Procurement Process: Sustainable Procurement Empowerment Drive”, organised for selected procurement officers from various ministries, departments, and agencies.
Addressing participants, Onafowote stated that the training was designed to help officers develop “a good grasp and understanding of the basic documents, record-keeping in public procurement, and the procurement process in general.”
He stressed that participants must become thoroughly knowledgeable and skilled in all aspects of the procurement process to be regarded as true professionals. “Participants must be versed in all areas covered in the training programme to earn professional respect in procurement,” the statement said.
Onafowote also urged the officers to familiarise themselves with the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency Law 2021, as well as relevant procurement guidelines and regulations.
“It is important that you acquaint yourselves with the relevant laws and guidelines to effectively play your roles as procurement officers in your various ministries, departments, and agencies,” he stated.
He further charged the officers to justify the significant investment made by the state government in their training by applying their knowledge to ensure efficient and sustainable management of government resources for the provision of goods and services to citizens.
Onafowote warned that any attempt to circumvent due process or engage in corrupt practices would not be tolerated.
