Lagos state, Governor Akinwunni Ambode has said electronic procurement (e-procurement) has the capacity to reduce corrupt practices to the barest minimum.

In line with that, Ambode said by next month, the state will adopt electronic procurement process for the award of contracts.

Speaking at the 2nd annual public procurement summit by Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (LSPPA), Ambode, represented by the Head of Service, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola, noted that before the advent of the public procurement law, corruption thrived in the procurement of goods, works and services.

The governor, however, said as a government, it is working tirelessly to ensure that the procurement process is transparent and enables accountability.

“In line with this aim, we will, in a matter of weeks, commence another path to eliminating corruption in public procurement in compliance with Section 61 of the state’s public procurement law. The E-procurement platform will be activated, starting with key ministries such as ministries of works, health and education.”

Ambode stated that by the end of 2019, 80 per cent of other ministries, departments and agencies would have been brought on board.

He added that the state government projected that by the end of 2020, e-procurement will be fully implemented at all levels of public governance, including local governments.

The General Manager, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (LSPPA), Mr Fatso Onafowote said public procurement has come to stay in Lagos State, as it has to do with leading practice in the world, opportunity to promote teamwork, as well as attract international support and foreign direct investment.

Onafowote said: “Civil society organisations should not relent in their effort at constructive criticisms, including drawing our attention to any perceived deviation from international leading practices.”