Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to upholding transparency, efficiency, and adherence to international best practices in public procurement.

The Governor made the pledge during a courtesy visit by the Global Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), Mr. Ben Farrell, at the Lagos House, Marina.

Sanwo-Olu emphasized that strict adherence to due process in public procurement remains a critical component of good governance and sustainable development in the State.

“Our administration is committed to continuous capacity building and professional development of our Procurement Officers to further entrench good governance in Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

He assured that the State Government would continue to align with global standards, leveraging strategic partnerships to enhance procurement systems and improve service delivery.

In a related development, Governor Sanwo-Olu called on procurement professionals to support government efforts in positioning Lagos not just as a trade hub but also a model of trust, transparency, and transformation.

The Governor made the call in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, at a symposium organized by CIPS Nigeria, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja.

Describing procurement and supply as “critical arteries” of the supply chain system, Sanwo-Olu cited strategic investments in infrastructure, including the Lekki Deep Seaport, as evidence of the State’s push for smarter logistics and transparent procurement systems.

“Lagos accounts for over 60% of Nigeria’s industrial and commercial activities. Our State is not just a hub for ambition and opportunity but a place where innovation is tested and supply chains are built daily,” he said.

Highlighting ongoing reforms, the Governor underscored the significance of establishing a robust Procurement Officers cadre within the State Public Service.

According to him, Procurement Officers must work in tandem with government objectives to ensure value for money and impactful delivery of public services.

“Our administration is committed to continuous capacity building and professional development of our Procurement Officers to further entrench good governance in Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

He also lauded CIPS for its global efforts in championing professionalism and ethical standards in procurement and supply chain management.

The governor stressed the role of institutions like CIPS in building a sustainable and future-ready procurement system and urged professionals to bring their expertise and ethics to bear in helping Lagos set the pace in trade and public administration across West Africa.

The symposium featured a lecture by the Director-General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Onafowote, who reinforced the State’s commitment to strategic procurement as a means to attract investment.

He noted that massive infrastructure projects are being executed to make Lagos more livable and reduce urban congestion.

In response, CIPS CEO Mr. Ben Farrell commended the Lagos State Government for its dedication to transparency and good governance. He described Lagos as a dynamic commercial hub and a leading investment destination on the African continent. Farrell also expressed the institute’s readiness to collaborate with the State in the area of capacity building and skills development for procurement professionals.

Present at the symposium were officials of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, including the Director-General of the agency, Mr. Fatai Idowu Onafowote, Mrs. Bola Adeniran, Director of Monitoring, Enforcement and Compliance, as well as CIPS officials including Mr. Sam Achampong, Director for Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific; Mr. Ekene Odimegwu, Education Liaison Officer, CIPS Nigeria; and Mrs. Omotunde Oyedeji, Vice Chairman, CIPS Nigeria