Letter,
LASG Mass Transit Initiative with Oando
To Mr. Ope George, Special Adviser, Office of Public Private Partnerships
Dear Sir,
I confirm with thanks, receipt of your response to the issues raised on the subject initiative and make the following observations in this regard.
- We have noted your assertion that no PPP currently exists with Oando on this initiative at this time. However:
- a) Our letter was based on Oando’s public statements released on the subject which reference the “Public-Private Partnership” as well as the Governor’s reference to LASG’s “partnership with Oando”.
- b) Given the seeming contradiction, it would be beneficial for details of the MOU to be shared with the public for clarity and transparency. As you know, MOUs, depending on their terms, can in some circumstances be legally binding, and the term PPP itself can refer to a broad range of different arrangements between governments and private sector entities.
- Regarding your assurances that due process for procurements will be initiated following completion of the proof-of-concept stage:
- a) LASG has indicated that this initiative is a key component of Lagos State’s Mass Transit Master Plan.
- b) The framework development and proof of concept (POC) stages are foundational elements of such an initiative that could involve substantial investments and costs and have profound and lasting implications for the eventual direction and ultimate success of the initiative.
- c) Rigorous procurement discipline is, therefore, no less important at The Framework development and POC stages to ensure appropriate vendor assessment and selection and value for money. It would help ensure that credible, objective outcomes and conclusions are produced that will provide unbiased guidance for the critical decisions that are to be made down the line. It would also help ensure that Government is not in a disadvantaged negotiating position when it gets to implementation stage.
Yours faithfully,
Funso Doherty
Cc:
- HE, Babajide Sanwoolu, Governor, Lagos State
- Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly
- Mr Fatai Onafowote, Director-General, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency
- Ms. Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority
- Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), Hon. Attorney-General & Commissioner of Justice
The Signed Letter
As scanned for the campaign's compilation of his letters. Tap a page to open it full size.
