LAGOS RESTATES COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY IN PROCUREMENT

The commitment of the Lagos State government to transparency in its procurement processes has been underscored by Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso and the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George. Both officials emphasised the significance of making all relevant information easily accessible on the Public Procurement Agency (PPA) website as a pivotal measure in ensuring transparency and openness.

During an interview on Arise Television Programme, ‘The Morning Show’ on Tuesday, George said: “All activities in Lagos State are meticulously documented on the PPA website, serving as a foundational step to eliminate secrecy. The challenge lies in the categorisation of information. When engaged in budgeting, we provide the facts behind the figures, elucidating the reasoning behind the numbers we disclose”.

George dispelled the misconception that N30 Million was allocated to the office of the Deputy Governor’s wife for indigent citizens. He said that the actual allocation was N 2.5 million per month.

Speaking on the Y2024 Budget, George disclosed that the allocation for social protection has been reviewed upwards due to economic challenges, saying “In the Year 2024 Budget, we have significantly bolstered our social protection initiatives. While we maintain our focus on infrastructure development, it is imperative to prioritise social protection. N30 million would be dispersed over the entire year, underscoring our commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations”.

On Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivours’s allegation that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s fees for legal representation were settled with Lagos State funds, Omotoso said: “There is no truth to this claim; it’s entirely baseless. The Governor did not approve such an expenditure. The issue was raised, and the Governor rejected it. The individual who prepared the proposal may lack knowledge of such matters. State funds cannot be utilised for political disputes, a fact Mr. Governor is well aware of”.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy also defended the renovation of Saint Andrews Anglican Church, Oke-Popo on Lagos Island, noting that the structure is a national monument of historical significance founded in 1889.

“The government’s intervention in the church property was necessitated by the Adeniji-Adele Road construction. The road leads to the project housing the Massey Street Hospital – the largest Pediatric Hospital, if not in Africa but in West Africa. Compensation was duly paid, and the damaged part of the church was reconstructed to preserve its status as a national monument”.

Omotoso said Iga Iduganran, the Oba of Lagos Palace, was also renovated as part of the State Government’s responsibility to preserve the culture and history of Lagos State. “The Oba’s Palace transcends being a traditional ruler’s abode; it is a historic national monument and a tourist attraction in Lagos. Our commitment to heritage preservation and community contribution motivated the renovation – a testament to our efforts in maintaining and showcasing the cultural significance of such landmarks in Nigeria”, he added.

Expressing appreciation to Mr. Doherty for his efforts in scrutinising the documents on the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency’s website, Omotoso said the transparent disposition of the Sanwo-Olu administration made it possible for Lagosians to review the performance of the government and make comments that serve as feedback for the present administration.

He said, “Even the most parsimonious government must spend money, as such the state government’s interventions should not be reduced to insignificant and immaterial things. We have trained 6000 youths in the creative sector in filmmaking, script writing, acting and others. In science and innovation, we have N250 million from which start-ups and those with ideas draw”.

“We have trained thousands of youths in our 16 vocational centres across the state free of charge. About 6000 of them are passing out tomorrow. When they pass out, we do not leave them to their own devices. We give them equipment to start their trade. These are things our people should be talking about”, the Commissioner stated.