The award of outrageous contracts by Lagos State’s Public Procurement Agency (PPA) in the second and third quarters of 2023, in the middle of an economic crisis in Nigeria, is detrimental to the well-being of citizens.
Development Diaries reports that a shared document from records of the state’s PPA office showed an approval of over N440 million for the purchase of a new Lexus LX 600 bulletproof sport utility vehicle for use in the pool of the Office of Chief of Staff.
Also, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s approved N7.5 million to replace liquid fragrance in his office and three billion naira to purchase rechargeable fans for the office of his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, are questionable.
In addition, N18.5 million was given to the Chief of Staff’s office for the procurement and distribution of 2,000 Noiler chickens throughout the state’s wards and local government areas.
It is also understood that N73.1 million was approved for the production of the official portraits of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu, according to the documents.
This action is blatantly insensitive to the suffering of the people of the state, particularly considering that the government has been urging citizens to put up with the nation’s economic hardship.
In the face of economic struggles, prudent fiscal governance becomes imperative for the sustainable development of any region.
Lagos State, like other Nigerian states, has experienced economic challenges since the removal of fuel subsidy, and this demands a judicious allocation of resources.
Ridiculous budgetary spending on government officials diverts resources away from critical sectors such as health care, education, and infrastructure.
In times of economic hardship, it is crucial to prioritise these sectors to ensure that the basic needs of the citizens are met and that the state can recover and thrive in the future.
Development Diaries calls on the Lagos State government to exercise prudence, make symbolic sacrifices, and prioritise the well-being of the citizens to navigate through challenging economic times.
Photo source: Babajide Sanwo-Olu
