Lagos Govt strikes deal with U.S. institute to enhance project management efficiency

.–‘This critical time requires resources be allocated to where most needed’ — Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Government, on Tuesday, sealed a partnership agreement with the United States (U.S.)-based Project Management Institute (PMI) to set a new benchmark in infrastructure development and governance.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu supervised a short ceremony held at the State House in Marina, where Project Implementation and Monitoring Unit (PIMU) of the State Government inked the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the American partner to enhance quality project management practices across 45 project executing Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the State.

Lagos is currently handling 1,830 capital projects across the State, with each project at varying level of efficiency. The deal would enable the State Government optimise its resources and  drive seamless project execution.

Sanwo-Olu earlier received the institute’s Managing Director for Sub Saharan Africa subsidiary, Mr. George Asamani, who led PMI’s team to the Governor ahead of the MoU signing.

The Governor said the partnership was timely, as the State reviewed its ongoing projects and considered implementing strategies to reduce risk and enhance efficiency towards delivery.

Sanwo-Olu said long-term project planning had been difficult  for many governments in the contemporary economic order, given the vulnerability to global resources disruption and high cost of materials.

He said the State had reorganised project implementing priorities by channeling resources on projects that would improve quality of life for Lagos residents.

The Governor said: “We are at a critical time when leaders are finding it challenging to implement and activate projects that will improve the quality of life for their citizens. It is a challenge now, given the global disruption we have seen over the last few years and its impact on the economic growth. This is making it difficult to even plan for long-term projects. But decisions have to be made in this difficult terrain.

“This partnership with PMI comes at the right time to validate our strategies, help us channel resources to where they are most needed and ensure that the outcome of our investment are delivered in a timely manner. This will help our project executing MDAs raise efficiency and further enhance their knowledge on project performance and execution. I believe the partnership will scale up professional competence and capability in the way projects are handled in public sector.”

Asamani said the MoU would bring about cutting edge skills, knowledge sharing and training to help the State deliver on projects with quality assurance. He added that the institute would be boosting local expertise and trained managers implement for maximum efficiency.

He said: “Our institute is reputed to providing global certification that has enable millions of people across the globe to execute projects with maximum efficiency and quality delivery. We are bringing cutting edge skill, education and training to equip public sector professionals in Lagos deliver on projects with quality assurance. This MoU will position us as a partner to enhance quality and delivery capabilities on all projects being undertaken in this State.”

Executive Assistant to the Governor on Project Implementation and Monitoring Unit, Mr. Olusegun Sanwo-Olu, said PMI would be bringing its five-decade expertise on board to catalyse efficient management and capacity in line with the highest standardsof excellence in executing projects in Lagos.

He listed benefits of the collaboration with PMI to include enhancing project management practices to deliver more within budget, scope and time.

He said: “Today, we reaffirm our dedication to impactful and sustainable projects. Taking a cue from Mr. Governor, we have imbibed the outcomes-oriented approach in projects we execute, delivering positive results to Lagosians through the THEMES+ Agenda. This partnership with PMI Global is a key step in entrenching project management principles in governance.

“There will be optimisation of State resources through the use of project management AI tools and data to drive seamless project execution. The collaboration will foster knowledge sharing and capacity our project community. Hundreds of public sector professionals will be equipped annually with relevant skills through training and workshops that will empower Lagos to compete favourably on the global market.”

Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, represented the Governor at the signing of the agreement between the State Government and the institute.