Lagos officials say Lagos procurement planning is vital to delivering the 2026 budget, urging transparency, compliance and value for money

Lagos State officials on Tuesday underscored the importance of Lagos procurement planning in delivering the state’s 2026 budget during a Procurement Planning Clinic held in Magodo.

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The event, organised by the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, brought together key actors from the executive, public service and legislature to align procurement processes with the state’s fiscal and development priorities.

Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the agency’s Governing Board, Abayomi Oluyomi, described procurement as the “engine room” of budget delivery, warning that even a well-designed fiscal plan would falter without effective implementation.

Abayomi Oluyomi said the 2026 “Budget of Shared Prosperity” was crafted to ensure that economic growth translated into tangible benefits, but stressed that intent alone was not enough.

According to Abayomi Oluyomi, procurement determines how public funds are converted into roads, schools, hospitals, security infrastructure and jobs, making it a strategic economic instrument rather than a routine administrative task.

Abayomi Oluyomi cautioned that weak planning and poor compliance could erode public trust, while transparent and efficient procurement would stimulate local enterprise, promote inclusion and strengthen confidence in government.

Abayomi Oluyomi reminded procurement officers, accounting officers and heads of parastatals of their heightened responsibility as custodians of due process and gatekeepers of public resources.

Abayomi Oluyomi added that the Ministry of Finance would support reforms through improved budget credibility, stronger cash management and expanded digital platforms to enhance accountability.

The Head of Service, Bode Agoro, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Internal Audit, Monsurat Alaka, said weak procurement planning remained a major obstacle to effective service delivery.

Bode Agoro said procurement sits at the heart of public sector performance and must be treated as a strategic responsibility to avoid delays, waste and inefficiencies.

In his welcome address, the Director-General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Fatai Onafowote, reinforced the message that effective planning is the backbone of successful budget execution.

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The Chairman of the House Committee on Procurement, Samuel Apata, reaffirmed the Lagos State House of Assembly’s commitment to strict oversight of public procurement processes.