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November 21, 2023
Further in a statement, the procurement agency said the misinterpretations were not intended.
The Lagos State Government through the Office of Public Procurement Agency has said the N7.5million budgeted for liquid fragrance in the office of the governor and other offices among several other public expenditure were affected by the “current economic realities.”
In a statement issued by the Director General, Lagos State Office of Public Procurement, Mr. Fatai Idowu Onofowote, the state government explained in comments the reasons for each of the budget item causing controversies.
SaharaReporters had on Monday reported that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is presently in the eye of the storm after state procurement records showed he approved N7.5 million to replace liquid fragrance in his office and N3 billion to purchase rechargeable fans for the office of his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat.
Other contracts awarded by the state’s Public Procurement Agency (PPA) in the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2023 had included approval of over N440 million for the purchase of a new Lexus LX 600 Bulletproof Sport Utility Vehicle for use in the pool of Office of Chief of Staff.
The office of the Chief of Staff also got N18.5 million for the supply and distribution of 2,000 Noiler chickens across the local government areas and wards in the state.
Reacting to the budget expenditure, the state procurement office said, “On the face of it and especially in the present economic circumstances, the amount of this award appears excessive in relation to the item procured. This covers the entire 2023 period of one year. It is also not limited to Mr Governor’s office but extends to several offices and state houses. This is in tandem with current economic realities.”
Further in a statement, the procurement agency said the misinterpretations were not intended.
The statement partly read: “Our attention has been drawn to recent concerns regarding certain information posted on the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency’s website. Acknowledging the misunderstanding arising from the lack of clarity, we recognise the unintended misinterpretations of this information.
“The agency is committed to ensuring transparency, accuracy and accountability in all the government transactions, as mandated by the Lagos State Public Procurement Law. We regret that specific details, particularly concerning the descriptions of government dealings, may have inadvertently led to confusion, impacting both governmental entities and corporate partners providing services to the state. This arose largely from the lack of detailed descriptions in the project information, which has inadvertently led to confusion in the public space.
“We empathise with public concerns and extend our sincere apologies for any distress caused. It is never our intent to cast doubt or cause misunderstandings that might tarnish the reputation of respected individuals and organisations involved in these transactions.
“To address these concerns thoroughly, the agency has taken immediate steps, Line-by-by-line explanations of the contracts in question are attached herewith, aiming to provide absolute clarity and dispel any lingering misconceptions.”
It added, "The Agency will continue to improve its internal processes and communication methods as our commitment as a government is to offer clearer and more accessible information to the public. It is pivotal to stress that the Agency's autonomy exists to ensure fairness and transparency, not to cause confusion or discredit any involved parties.
"We therefore assure the public of our unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of integrity in all our operations. Looking ahead, we pledge our continued commitment to consistently and accurately report all government transactions in the State.
"Our unwavering commitment remains to elevate the standard of living and enhancing the quality of life for the people of Lagos. Rest assured, this commitment will always take precedence."