Lagos to correct marginalisation of women entrepreneurs

By Adeola Ogunrinde

The Lagos State Government, through its Public Procurement Agency, has launched the Lagos State Gender Responsive Procurement Policy. This policy aims to address the longstanding imbalances that have prevented women entrepreneurs from accessing public procurement opportunities.

The Director General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Fatai Idowu Onafowote, announced this on Friday, August 30, at the Media Forum on the Lagos State Gender Responsive Procurement Policy held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

According to Onafowote, the Gender Responsive Procurement Policy should not be seen as merely a document but as a groundbreaking initiative to rectify the systemic exclusion of women entrepreneurs from public procurement.

“The Gender Responsive Procurement Policy we are discussing today is more than 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 constraints—that have prevented them from participating fully in our state’s economic activities,” he explained.

“This policy represents our commitment to dismantling 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 capabilities and market presence of women-owned businesses, ensuring they can effectively compete for public contracts,” he added.

Onafowote further emphasized that the policy’s objectives include equipping women with essential skills and knowledge and providing them with access to procurement opportunities. These considerations were paramount in drafting the policy.

“The objectives of this policy are clear: to provide greater access to procurement opportunities for women, to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge, and to create a procurement environment that values and promotes gender equity. By doing so, we are not only empowering women but also contributing to the broader socio-economic progress of Lagos State.

“The benefits of this policy extend beyond the economic empowerment of women. By unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs, we are driving broader economic growth and development within our state. This aligns perfectly with our commitment to social equity and inclusion, as well as with national and international frameworks, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” he stated.

Onafowote highlighted a critical element of the policy: the Executive Order mandating that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies prioritize women-owned businesses in the awarding of contracts. This directive ensures that at least 10 percent of procurement opportunities are allocated to these enterprises within financial thresholds suited for SMEs. “This is not just a policy; it is a mandate for change—a mandate to improve the internal management of our state government and to foster a more inclusive economy,” he remarked.

“Today’s forum is a key part of our broader collaboration with UN Women, focused on Affirmative Procurement to empower women-owned and women-led businesses in Lagos State. I am confident that this forum will serve as a valuable platform to discuss and promote the objectives of this significant policy. I encourage all members of the press to engage actively in this dialogue, as your role in communicating these objectives to the public is crucial to our success,” he continued.

In concluding, Onafowote acknowledged that this historic initiative would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of UN Women, a global leader in championing gender equality and the empowerment of women. He noted that their partnership with the Lagos State Government had brought international best practices to the forefront of the policymaking process, for which he expressed his profound gratitude.