Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on professionals and stakeholders across Nigeria to invest in building stronger, more transparent procurement systems.
EpeInsights reports that the Governor emphasized that good procurement practices are crucial for fostering accountability, efficiency, and sustainable development.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made this known during a recent courtesy visit by top officials of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), Global CEO Mr. Ben Farrell and Regional Director for Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific Mr. Sam Achampong at the Lagos House in Marina.
“For us in Lagos, we’ve long championed the need for a transparent and well-coordinated procurement system,” the Governor said.
“We take pride in being one of the first governments to institutionalise a structured public procurement process in Nigeria.”
Reflecting on the journey, Sanwo-Olu noted that the foundation for Lagos State’s procurement reforms was laid over 15 years ago, and that efforts have since been made to build the right institutions and frameworks.
However, he stressed the importance of continuous improvement.
“We’ve realized the need to deepen capacity and spread competency across the board,” he said.
“A good procurement system doesn’t just ensure accountability, it also helps anticipate needs, negotiate better, and deliver value for money.”
The Governor highlighted that Lagos State’s experience in public procurement could serve as a model for other states and countries, and expressed willingness to share lessons learned with CIPS and other stakeholders.
In his remarks, CIPS Global CEO, Mr. Ben Farrell applauded the progress made by Lagos and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s procurement sector.
“We’re present in 180 countries, sharing best practices and building capacity globally,” Farrell said.
“We’re excited to establish a permanent presence in Nigeria, working closely with both the public and private sectors to enhance procurement competence. Spreading knowledge and building expertise will go a long way in driving national prosperity.”
