The Lagos State Public Procurement Agency has responded to reports regarding the acquisition of a Bulletproof Sport Utility Vehicle by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led government at a cost of N440.75 million.
The details of the procurement contracts awarded in the second and third quarters of 2023 were made public, sparking criticism and public scrutiny. Funso Doherty, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos, raised concerns about the contracts.
Doherty, through his verified social media handle, questioned the expenditure of N2 billion on fans, rechargeable lights, and fridges, N18 million on chickens, and N440.75 million on a brand new Lexus LX 600 Bulletproof Sport Utility Vehicle for the Chief of Staff’s office, considering the economic hardships faced by Lagosians.
In response, Mr. Fatai Onafowote, the Director-General of the Public Procurement Agency, issued a statement apologizing for the lack of clarity and details in the procurement records posted on the agency’s website.
Onafowote explained that the procurement of the N440.75 million bulletproof vehicle aligns with current realities and needs.
The agency acknowledged the misunderstandings and unintended misinterpretations caused by the lack of detailed descriptions in the project information shared on the website. They expressed regret for any confusion that may have arisen and impacted both government entities and corporate partners involved in providing services to the state.
The statement emphasized that the confusion stemmed from the insufficient information provided and its subsequent interpretation in the public space.
It is worth noting that controversial allocations, such as the N5.09 billion for a Presidential Yacht and N160 billion for lawmakers’ SUVs, were part of the discussions surrounding the N2.176 trillion Supplementary Budget before it was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Please note that the information provided is based on the given context, and any further developments or updates on the matter may not be reflected in this response.
