April 27, 2023

…Says greater portion of the budget apportioned for roads, other infrastructures

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to the completion and delivery of existing and ongoing infrastructural projects and ensuring that the contractual procedures are adhered to in project execution.

The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Sam Egube disclosed at a One-Day Monitoring and Evaluation Stakeholders’ Forum with the theme: “Promoting Accountability and Seamless Prepayment Certification”, organised by the Monitoring and Evaluation Department of the Ministry.

Egube explained that the Y2023 Budget is a testament to the resolve of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to significantly complete existing and ongoing infrastructural projects in the State in line with its T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda.

He stressed that a greater portion of the budget is apportioned for roads and other infrastructures for the benefit of all residents in the State.

The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Ibrahim Bajomo, said that the successes of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration in delivering developmental projects cannot be attributed to Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs) alone, but also to contractors who are the stakeholders in actualising the aspirations of the Greater Lagos vision.

He said, “It must be emphasised that Mr. Governor’s interest in substantially completing existing and ongoing infrastructure projects in the state is not just a mere saying but backed up with the allocation of a greater chunk of the Y2023 Budget on Roads and other infrastructure for the benefits of all Lagosians”.

“In achieving this, however, the State government has identified new procedures in project execution and management processes as well as Pre-Payment Certification of Projects. It is, therefore, necessary to appeal to all executing Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and contractors to adhere to the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for project execution in the State”, he added.

Represented by the Director, Road Construction, Engr Tokunbo Oyenuga, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructures, Engr. (Mrs.) Aramide Adeyoye, in her keynote address, spoke on the Prepayment Certification of Projects, Supplies and Consultancy processes, urging the contractors to adhere to the laid down steps to having a seamless experience.

On his part, the Director,-General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Fatai Onafowote explained the rudiments of contract procurement with the State Government. He also advised existing contractors and prospective ones to meet up with the registration requirements, as well as adhere to guidelines for successful submission.