Abuja: The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, has urged the chairmen and members of the newly inaugurated regional development commissions to prioritize due process in procurement activities. This call to action was made through a statement by the bureau’s Head of Public Relations, Zira Nagga.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adedokun addressed the necessity of adherence to due process during a retreat organized by the Ministry of Regional Development. The retreat was attended by the chairmen and board members of the South-South, South-West, and North-Central Development Commissions. Adedokun highlighted that the lack of due process has historically hindered Nigeria’s developmental goals, stressing President Bola Tinubu’s directive for BPP to shift procurement from being merely transactional.
Adedokun advised the boards to thoroughly understand the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007 and related regulations, noting that both chairmen and members hold accountability for procurement decisions. He referenced Section 20 of the Act, underscoring that accounting officers are legally accountable for any procurement breaches, whether these are committed directly or through subordinates.
He further elaborated that genuine development requires more than the distribution of basic items like tricycles and sewing machines. Adedokun explained that it involves launching transformative projects such as interconnected rail systems, sturdy roads, and notable hospitals and educational institutions.
Adedokun announced plans to deploy electronic monitoring solutions from Abuja to oversee regional projects, emphasizing that procurement should align with budgetary appropriations and adhere to open competitive bidding. He reiterated that core procurement principles include transparency, competition promotion, efficiency, value for money, and fitness for purpose, cautioning against altering evaluation criteria.
Lastly, Adedokun encouraged the new boards to embrace the transformation of their regions as a significant responsibility, aiming to build lasting legacies and make the President proud of their appointments.