Lagos State Government Sets High Standards for Contractors

The Lagos State Government has emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards in project delivery for contractors, consultants, and suppliers working with the state. This warning was given at the 2026 Procurement Stakeholders’ Forum held in Ikeja, where government officials and private sector operators gathered to discuss the role of procurement in delivering public infrastructure and services. The Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, stated that the state would continue to support firms that demonstrate competence, integrity, and value for money, while discouraging conduct that affects project delivery and service quality. Agoro said, 'We must continue to discourage practices that undermine public trust, delay project execution, or compromise quality standards. The government will continue to support credible and competent service providers who demonstrate professionalism, timely delivery, and value for money.' The Head of Service, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, Abdulrafiu Fashola, emphasized that contractors and service providers should be seen as partners in development, as government programs rely heavily on their performance. He noted that the progress made by Lagos in infrastructure, healthcare, education, transportation, and technology was strengthened by effective collaboration between public institutions and private sector operators. 'A prosperous Lagos cannot be built on weak systems, poor service delivery, or compromised standards. Rather, it must rest on a foundation of excellence, innovation, compliance, and responsible partnership between Government and the private sector,' he said. The Director-General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Fatai Onafowote, stated that the quality of roads, schools, hospitals, and other public projects ultimately depends on the competence and ethical standards of contractors engaged by the government. Onafowote said, 'Service providers constitute the foundation upon which public projects and essential services are built,' adding that 'a prosperous Lagos cannot be built on weak foundations.' He noted that the agency is strengthening procurement oversight through digital reforms, stakeholder engagement, and stricter compliance measures, and that procurement should be seen as a tool for economic development rather than a routine administrative process. The Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Procurement, Samuel Apata, said the legislature would continue to enforce oversight mechanisms to promote transparency and accountability in public spending. Apata stated, 'The Lagos State House of Assembly remains committed to supporting policies and legislative frameworks that promote efficiency, fairness, competitiveness, and professionalism within the procurement system.' He added that lawmakers would continue to monitor compliance with procurement laws to ensure public funds are used effectively and projects deliver value to residents. The forum brought together procurement professionals, contractors, consultants, suppliers, development partners, and senior government officials to discuss ways to improve procurement practices and strengthen project delivery across the state.