Benue: BPPC trains 23 LG desk officers on public procurement

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

As part of efforts towards improving the procurement processes in the state, the Benue State Public Procurement Commission (BPPC), has organized a two-day capacity building for desk officers within the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

Welcoming participants to the training, the Director General of BPPC, Engr. Comfort Adadu said the mission has always been to ensure that public resources are used efficiently transparently and in a manner that yields the greatest value for the people of Benue State.

Adadu said Governor Hyacinth Alia’s leadership has placed a stronger emphasis on accountability, due process and the welfare of the people saying “It is through this unwavering belief in these principles that we are able to create systems and structures that align with the highest standards of governance.”

The DG said Governor Alia has placed the people of Benue first ensuring that public funds are used effectively for sustainable development across the state.

She disclosed that the state government has introduced the eProcurement Portal for a more efficient procurement system in the state.

She said the portal which was a forward-thinking initiative, is not only a technological upgrade but a game changer for how to do business in benue state the portal will ensure transparency reduced the risk of corruption and improve the quality and speed of public procurement promise processes.

“With the portal we are stepping into a future where procurement processes are faster More transparent and much more accountable it is a tool that will support our efforts in delivering value for money and sharing that every couple of public fund is spent wisely.”

She however noted that technology alone cannot guarantee success as the real difference lies in the people who drive the processes.

The DG urged them to take the training serious to acquire knowledge and tools to enable them carry out their duties with regular efficiency professionalism and understanding of the importance of due process in the procurement cycle.

She noted that as they are the backbone of the new era of procurements in Benue state especially in building a system that will serve as a model for other states and foster the development of Benue state in the years to come.

Also speaking the Resident Anti Corruption Commissioner, of Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Mr Mustapha Wala, who was represented by the Head of Public Enlightenment and Education Unit, commended the DG of BPPC saying the training was the first of its kind.

Speaking on overview of the ICPC and procurement in MDAs, the Commissioner cautioned the desk officers to beware of correct and sharp practices but to serve as the eyes of the government to ensure transparency, prudence and accountability in public spending.

Meanwhile, some of the trainees who spoke to our correspondent, Ebute Ebute and Fidelis Torkunde, desk officers from Otukpo and Ushongo LGA respectively, described the training as a good development saying it was first of its kind.