Lagos State Government in partnership with UN Women have advocated advancement in capacity building and financial empowerment of women through affirmative procurement reforms.
Speaking at a Media Forum on Affirmative Procurement in Alausa, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was represented by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile noted that the State government was in tandem with more women representation in every sector of policy-making, including bidding for contracts.
“Gender balance is something our governor does not joke with, for instance during the selection the second group of fellow for the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, the governor insisted on 50/50 ratio.
“Which shows that we’re deliberate about infact, our amiable governor is a champion when it comes to promoting women’s courses and we intend to keep it that way,” he said.
The Director General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr Idowu Onafowote, said the policy was in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration aimed at correcting long standing policies that have marginalized women in businesses.
“The Gender-Responsive Procurement Policy we are discussing today is not just a document; it is a pioneering effort to correct the long-standing imbalances that have marginalised women entrepreneurs from accessing public procurement opportunities.
“For far too long, women-owned businesses and women-led cooperatives have faced significant challenges ranging from limited access to finance and information to capacity constraint.
“Which have prevented them from participating fully in our state’s economic activities. This policy is our commitment to dismantle those barriers and creating a more equitable and inclusive procurement environment.
“Through capacity building programmes, financial incentives, educational resources, and mentorship opportunities, we aim to enhance the abilities and market presence of women-owned businesses, ensuring they can compete effectively for public contracts,” he said.
The Head of Communications, UN Women, Mr Anthony Abu commended the media for constant advocacy, noting that lives of girls and women get better with economic empowerment and financial capacity for them to achieve their goals.
“A critical element of this policy is the Executive Order mandating that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies prioritise women-owned businesses in the awarding of contracts.
“Gone are the days when we assume that these women are don’t have responsibilities, some of these women are widows, they are breadwinners.
“I understand that with this directive at least 10 per cent of procurement opportunities are allocated to such enterprises, within financial thresholds suited for SMEs.
“Today’s forum is a key part of our broader collaboration with Lagos State, focused on affirmative procurement to empower women-owned and women-led businesses in Lagos State,” he said.
On her part, the Focal Person of UN Women in Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Ms Adeola Sanwo said plan was in place to obtain an executive order to mandate Ministries, Departments and Agencies to be responsive to the Gender Responsive Procurement policy to prioritise women-owned businesses in Lagos State.
Ms Sanwo also advocated the establishment of Gender Desk Office to assist women-owned and women-led businesses to bid for and obtain contracts to bridge the percentage gap in the State.
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