Lagos warns contractors over project delivery standards

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday cautioned contractors, consultants and suppliers doing business with the state against actions that could erode public confidence in government projects, warning that professionalism and timely delivery would increasingly determine access to public contracts.

The warning was issued at the 2026 Procurement Stakeholders’ Forum in Ikeja, where government officials and private-sector operators gathered to review the role of procurement in delivering public infrastructure and services.

Speaking at the forum, the Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, said the state would continue to back firms that demonstrate competence, integrity and value for money, while discouraging conduct that affects project delivery and service quality.

“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,” Agoro said.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, Abdulrafiu Fashola, the Head of Service said contractors and service providers should be viewed as partners in development because government programmes rely heavily on their performance.

He said Lagos’ progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, transportation and technology had been 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, said the quality of roads, schools, hospitals and other public projects ultimately depends on the competence and ethical standards of contractors engaged by the government.

“Service providers constitute the foundation upon which public projects and essential services are built,” he said, adding that “a prosperous Lagos cannot be built on weak foundations.”

Onafowote said the agency was strengthening procurement oversight through digital reforms, stakeholder engagement and stricter compliance measures, adding 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.

“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,” Apata said.

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.