The Lagos State government, through the Public Procurement Agency, has solicited for the support of the Civil Society Organisations in the implementation of Public Procurement process to deepen the understanding of how public funds are being utilised in line with existing policy.

The General Manager, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Idowu Onafowote made this known at a two-day awareness/capacity building workshop for Civil Society Organisations themed: An Overview of the Lagos State Procurement Law.

According to him, the need for every member of the society, especially the civil society groups, to be more involved in the procurement process makes it necessary to collaborate with the Agency and act as check and balance for transparency and accountability during the process.

“You have been chosen as spoke persons for members of the society; feedback and response to issues are welcome as it will keep us on our toes and also help to move the State forward”, he said.

Onafowote urged the group to monitor and track the activities of the State government especially on issues that affect procurement and bring suggestions, contributions and ideas through the Agency’s website as well as the Citizens’ Gate online platform.

Earlier, the Consultant from Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (ROLAC) Mr. Chukumah Chinuake said the workshop was organised to deepen the understanding of the procurement law and also create an interactive session between the Agency and the Public.

He however noted that the ROLAC programme is basically to enhance Good Governance, strengthen the Rule of Law and curb corruption. He enjoined the CSOs and NGOs present to ask questions agitating their minds, most especially on the Procurement Law and its process.