LAGOS GOVERNMENT 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”.