We Place High Premium On Accountability – Gov Ambode

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday stated that his administration places a high premium on accountability and will not condone any act of misappropriation of public funds.

The Governor, who stated this through the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello at the maiden edition of the Annual Procurement Summit in Lagos, charged all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to cooperate and comply with the Public Procurement regulations in order to ensure proper utilization of government funds and resources in the State.

He charged the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency to be steadfast and innovative in the application of the laws and regulations guiding procurement across the sectors.

Governor Ambode explained that despite the fact that there is a gap between resources at disposal of the government and the needs of the people, it is still the burden of government to ensure judicious application of the limited resources in a way that the taxpaying public receives maximum value for all expenditure incurred by the government.

He said the only way this can be achieved is to ensure that all expenditure passes through the established due process as itemized in the public procurement law, adding that the goal is to guide against mismanagement and diversion of public funds.

Commending the organisers of the summit, the Governor stated that the public procurement law is a laudable initiative which ensures transparency, accountability and competitiveness in the way public funds are expended in the acquisition of goods and services.

He informed that the theme for this maiden edition of procurement summit “Ensuring best Practices in Public Procurement in the Face of Dwindling Economy” speaks directly to the economic situation of the nation, stressing that there is need for those charged with the responsibility of implementing the procurement law to be more diligent and conversant with the emerging development in the global arena.

He noted that the summit was designed to bring together experts and various stakeholders in public procurement with a view to taking a closer look at the law, as it is being implemented and make recommendations that will ensure greater effectiveness.

Ambode congratulated the Board, Management and staff of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency for the success of the Summit and production of the 2017 procurement journal that was also unveiled at the event.

Earlier in a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Governing Board, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade said Lagosians should bear in mind that procurement is about transparency and accountability, noting that the State Government is determined to give the best procurement services to all this year.

Also, speaking, the General Manager, the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Idowu Onafowote stated that initially, the public had a wrong impression about procurement but the state Government through the agency had embarked on a massive advocacy and as a result awareness has been created about the procurement process.

He added that the present administration would ensure that procurement laws are strictly adhered to so that citizens can enjoy the benefits of good governance.