By MILLICENT IFEANYICHUKWU

The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) on Tuesday opened bids for 75 education projects across the state, with stakeholders commending the transparency and efficiency of the electronic procurement process.

Speaking at the exercise in Maryland, the Chairman of LASUBEB, Dr Hakeem Shittu, said that the bid opening was in line with public procurement regulations designed to promote openness, competitiveness and accountability in public spending.

Shittu said the projects were advertised through appropriate channels to give all qualified contractors equal opportunities to participate.

“The procurement process must be transparent and competitive. That is why the bids are being opened publicly, with all stakeholders present to witness the exercise,” he said.

According to him, the adoption of electronic procurement has improved efficiency and transparency in project implementation.

He advised contractors, who would eventually emerge successful to adhere strictly to project specifications and timelines, adding that competent engineers and professionals would supervise the projects from commencement to completion.

“We have qualified professionals, who will monitor the projects without compromising standards. Contractors must ensure they meet all timelines and contractual obligations,” the chairman said.

Also speaking, Mr Akintayo Ogundare, the Chief Procurement Officer, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (PPA) said the bid opening marked only the first stage of the procurement process.

Ogundare, who represented the Director-General, PPA, Mr Fatai Onafowote, explained that submitted bids would undergo detailed evaluation before contracts were awarded to the most responsive bidders.

He said the agency’s monitoring and enforcement department would continue to monitor projects at various stages, including mobilisation, execution and payment phases.

“If a contractor fails to meet required standards and remains unresponsive to corrective directives, the law provides for commencement of another procurement process to ensure project completion,” Ogundare said.

According to him, projects advertised under the exercise include the construction and renovation of classroom blocks as well as the installation of solar-powered facilities in schools.

He said that 79 contractors submitted bids for the 75 project lots advertised by LASUBEB.

Ogundare said that procurement activities in Lagos State had been conducted in line with due process requirements.

He said the state’s e-procurement platform had strengthened transparency by eliminating opportunities for interference with bid documents before official opening.

Mr Sunday Arema, Lagos State Coordinator of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), commended the electronic bidding process, describing it as seamless, transparent and accountable.

“Lagos State has moved from the traditional paper-based process to a paperless system. Everybody can watch and follow what is happening, which enhances transparency,” Arema said.

He urged successful contractors to deliver durable and quality projects that would benefit schoolchildren across the state.

“They are working for the Nigerian child. We want facilities that can stand the test of time and provide value for money,” Arema said.

He said that both UBEC and LASUBEB would undertake regular monitoring and supervision of projects to ensure compliance with approved standards.

One of the participating contractors, Mr Olaitan Anjorin, Director of Babawgudu and Company Nig. Ltd., described the exercise as open and competitive.

Anjorin pledged that his company would deliver quality projects in line with government specifications, if awarded any contract.

“Our assurance is that we will deliver quality work in accordance with the requirements of the Lagos State Government,” he said.

Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the electronic procurement system would continue to enhance accountability, transparency and value for money in public project delivery across Lagos State. (NAN)