PPDC Holds Workshop to Enhance Procurement Practices

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The Senior Programme Advisor, Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), Ife Olatunji-David, has said a two-day

validation workshop and focus group discussion organized by the centre would enhance procurement practices in the state. 

According to him, the programme, organized with the support from MacArthur Foundation, would enable stakeholders discuss the practices of procurement in the state and proffer innovative and standard ways of improving the processes towards the betterment of the society and eliminate corrupt practices.

PPDC, which also advocated needs for stakeholders in Ekiti State to be involved in the public procurement processes, clarified that the workshop would enhance accountability, transparency and inclusiveness in procurement processes.

The workshop had in attendance key stakeholders from the Bureau of Public Procurement, MDAs, civil society organisations, media representatives, vulnerable groups such as Persons with Disabilities and the market women.

The communication officer of PPDC, Nnenna Eze, said the results of the research on the state vis-a-vis procurement necessitated the workshop for the stakeholders to provide solutions to the identified challenges and in a bid to enhance effective public procurement.

Speaking on the Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) portal, she charged the government to be transparent by providing the public with relevant information about bidders and contractors and upload up-to-date data of each projects on the internet to build public confidence and transparency.

Eze said: “Last year, we carried out a report on the assessment of the public procurement processes in Ekiti State and how the government is complying to the Freedom of Information (FoI ) and Procurement Acts.

“We found out some loopholes and we came here now to ensure that we are able to collaborate and cover those loopholes to ensure effective procurement processes, and a fair and open contracting process for all.

“We will work with the government to ensure that Persons with Disabilities and other vulnerable citizens are included in the procurement processes.”

Eze added that the organisation carried out a research with the results showing the need for the state government to be more transparent and be accountable in its processes by involving more stakeholders especially women and the vulnerable groups.

Her words: “The validation of the Public Procurement Assessment Reports and the focus group discussions mark a crucial step forward in our collective pursuit of excellence in public procurement. By working together, sharing knowledge and engaging in constructive dialogue, we can identify innovative solutions, address shortcomings, and support Ekiti State’s effort for a transparent, efficient and accountable public procurement system in Ekiti State.

“Ladies and gentlemen, as you may know, the education and health sectors are pivotal to social growth. These sectors hold the key to our collective progress, shaping the future of our children and ensuring the health and well-being of our communities. It is, therefore, imperative that the procurement processes within these sectors adhere to the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and efficiency.”

An official of the state Ministry of Justice, Oluwatayo Fabusuyi, who spoke on the Ekiti State Public Procurement Law 2020, said relevant sections stipulated punishment for anyone who contravened the law in the procurement processes.

According to him, offenders are liable to conviction of two years imprisonment and fine.