In a significant move to bolster its procurement practices, the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency is seeking collaboration with the World Bank to enhance its e-procurement systems and support small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This strategic partnership aims not only to streamline procurement processes but also to empower local businesses and improve the overall business environment in Lagos.
During a recent meeting with a six-member delegation from the World Bank, the agency’s Director-General, Fatai Onafowote, articulated the need for additional support from the financial institution. Nazaneen Ali, the Procurement Practice Manager for the Western and Central Africa region, led the delegation during their one-day visit to Lagos. Onafowote expressed gratitude for the World Bank’s past assistance while emphasizing the necessity for further aid in modernizing systems and implementing reforms in procurement processes.
The push for an enhanced e-procurement system is crucial, especially considering that only three pilot ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) were launched on the e-procurement platform back in 2019. Today, across Lagos State, 140 MDAs have embraced this platform, with an additional 19 expected to join before the year wraps up. This remarkable progress emphasizes the commitment of the Lagos State government to transparency and efficiency in public procurement, making it a preferred destination for both local and foreign investors.
Onafowote also laid out a multifaceted plan for collaboration, requesting the World Bank’s assistance in capacity building for personnel, the promotion of affirmative procurement practices, and facilitating exchange programs to learn from successful global practices. These initiatives are designed to strengthen not just the procurement system but also the overall economic landscape of Lagos, further empowering SMEs.
In response, Ali commended the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency for its dedication to digitalizing its operations and urged Onafowote to formalize his proposal through the appropriate channels at the World Bank. This cooperation is part of a larger trend seen in the region, as witnessed earlier in June when senior officials from Liberia’s Public Procurement and Concessions Commission visited Lagos to learn from their e-procurement system.
The ongoing effort to enhance e-procurement is not just about technology; it represents a broader commitment to fostering a transparent and efficient public sector. As Lagos continues to evolve into a technological hub in Africa, these advancements are set to attract more investments and drive economic growth throughout the region.
With the potential for a digital overhaul in procurement processes, Lagos State is paving the way for a thriving business ecosystem. This aligns with broader trends across Africa, where digital solutions are increasingly seen as essential for development.
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