‘We should have been clearer’ — Lagos apologises over procurement details on website

The Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (LPPA) has apologised for the “unintended misinterpretations” of information published on its website.

In a statement on Tuesday, the agency said the misinterpretations arose from “lack of clarity” of procurement details.

The agency released the statement amid criticisms of public expenditure by the state government.

In an open letter to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, posted via X on Saturday, Funso Doherty, governorship candidate of the ADC in the last poll, drew attention to some projects funded with taxpayers’ money.

Doherty said he analysed the register of public procurement awards by LPPA for the second and third quarters of 2023.

In the letter, Doherty listed some projects appropriated by the state government that “require greater scrutiny”.

He cited that N2,017,840,000 was appropriated for the “provision of items (rechargeable fans, rechargeable lights, and fridge) in the office of the deputy governor”.

However, Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos deputy governor, denied the allegation, saying N2,017,840 was budgeted for supply of the items.

TheCable had reported that the PDF document on LPPA website showing the projects appropriated in July has been modified.

LPPA APOLOGISES

In the statement, the agency apologised for the misinterpretations, saying they were not intentional.

“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,” the statement reads.

“This arose largely from the lack of detailed descriptions in the project information, which has inadvertently led to confusion, in the public space.

“We empathize with public concerns and extend our sincere apologies for any distress caused.

“It’s never our intent to cast doubt or cause misunderstandings that might tarnish the reputation of respected individuals and organizations involved in these transactions.

“To address these concerns thoroughly, the agency has taken immediate steps.

“Line-by-line explanations of the contracts in question are attached herewith, aiming to provide absolute clarity and dispel any lingering misconceptions.”