Lagos State Develops Long-Term Procurement Reform Plan with EU Support

The Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (LSPPA) is working on a new 10-year plan aimed at improving how the government buys goods and services. This plan, called Vision 2036, is designed to maintain transparency and accountability even as government leaders change.

The LSPPA is collaborating with the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, which is managed by International IDEA. This partnership aims to strengthen the agency and create a lasting framework for public procurement in Lagos.

According to a statement from the LSPPA, this roadmap will guide operations beyond different government administrations. It includes plans for digital upgrades, professional training, policy enforcement, and regular evaluations of performance.

Ajibola Ijimakinwa, the RoLAC State Coordinator, emphasized that the initiative aims to create a governance framework that ensures transparency and efficiency in public procurement. He mentioned that Vision 2036 would be a key project for the agency, helping to solidify reforms and improve governance.

Fatai Onafowote, the Director-General of the LSPPA, highlighted the importance of stakeholder involvement in developing this plan. He noted that the roadmap would be regularly reviewed to reflect operational realities and guide good governance in the state.

Chibuzo Ekwekwo from A&E Law Partnership explained that the validation process would involve a detailed review of the plan to ensure it meets the needs of the agency. This approach aims to give staff a sense of ownership over the roadmap and address any operational challenges identified during the review.

The strategic plan will focus on several key areas, including engaging stakeholders, building capacity, implementing policies, and ensuring the sustainability of procurement reforms.