SERVICE PROVIDERS CRITICAL TO BUILDING A PROSPEROUS LAGOS, STAKEHOLDERS AFFIRM AT 2026 PROCUREMENT FORUM

 

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 oluwaseyi fadoro 

Key stakeholders in Lagos State's procurement ecosystem have reaffirmed the critical role of service providers in driving sustainable development and economic prosperity, as the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (PPA) hosted its 2026 Stakeholders' Forum in Ikeja.

The forum, held at Watercress Hotel, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, was themed “Solid Foundations: Service Providers as the Bedrock of a Prosperous Lagos.” It brought together government officials, procurement professionals, contractors, consultants, suppliers, development partners, financial institutions, professional bodies, community groups, and other stakeholders.

In his welcome address, the Director-General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Fatai Idowu Onafowote, described service providers as indispensable partners in the implementation of government policies and developmental projects across the state.

According to him, no government can achieve sustainable growth without competent and reliable contractors, consultants, suppliers, and other procurement stakeholders who contribute significantly to infrastructure delivery and socio-economic transformation.

He commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to procurement reforms and good governance, noting that the state government remains focused on ensuring transparency, accountability, efficiency, and value for money in public service delivery.

Cross section of contractors at the y2026 stakeholders Forum

"Service providers constitute the foundation upon which public projects and essential services are built. From roads and schools to hospitals, housing schemes, ICT infrastructure, and environmental projects, every successful government initiative depends largely on their professionalism, integrity, competence, and dedication," 

Onafowote said.

The Director-General further stated that the Agency would continue to strengthen procurement processes through capacity building, stakeholder engagement, digital innovation, and strict compliance with procurement regulations.

Also speaking at the forum, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Procurement, Hon. Samuel Apata, reaffirmed the legislature's support for policies and initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public procurement.

He commended the Public Procurement Agency for creating a platform that encourages dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, stressing that the House of Assembly would continue to provide the necessary legislative support and oversight to ensure effective utilisation of public resources.

Apata urged contractors and service providers to view themselves not merely as beneficiaries of government contracts but as strategic partners in the state's development agenda.

"The success of government projects and programmes depends largely on your integrity, competence, commitment to quality, and timely execution of projects. We must collectively build a procurement environment founded on trust, professionalism, and accountability," he stated.

Delivering the keynote address, the Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, who was represented by Mr Fasola oluwole the permanent secretary of LASIEC described the theme of the forum as timely and significant, emphasizing that sustainable development can only be achieved when governance structures are built on integrity, professionalism, efficiency, and partnership.

He noted that Lagos State's remarkable achievements in infrastructure development, healthcare, education, transportation, housing, technology, and social services have been made possible through prudent management of public resources and strong collaboration with service providers.

"Contractors, consultants, suppliers, and other professionals are not merely vendors to government; they are partners in development. The quality of public infrastructure and services delivered to our people is a direct reflection of their competence and integrity," Agoro said.

The Head of Service stressed that public procurement remains one of the most important tools for achieving effective governance and ensuring that public funds translate into meaningful development outcomes.

He urged stakeholders to uphold ethical standards, embrace innovation, build capacity, and comply fully with procurement guidelines to strengthen public confidence and improve service delivery.

Agoro also reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to strengthening institutional frameworks that promote transparency, efficiency, and sustainable development.

The forum featured interactive discussions and stakeholder engagements aimed at addressing challenges within the procurement value chain, improving compliance with procurement regulations, and enhancing collaboration between government and service providers.

Stakeholders agreed that a prosperous Lagos can only be built on strong foundations anchored on transparency, accountability, professionalism, innovation, and responsible partnerships between the public and private sectors.

The Head of Service formally declared the forum open and expressed optimism that the deliberations would contribute significantly to strengthening the procurement system and advancing the developmental aspirations of Lagos State.