NDDC, BPP push digital procurement reforms across Niger Delta

The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for adopting policy reforms aimed at digitising its procurement processes to promote transparency, efficiency and accountability.

Speaking at the NDDC Procurement Policy Reform and Digitisation Stakeholders Sensitisation and Training Summit in Port Harcourt, the Director-General of the BPP, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, described the initiative as a major step toward modernising public sector operations.

Adedokun said the transition to paperless governance had become imperative as government institutions seek to reduce delays, minimise waste and improve service delivery.

According to him, public procurement plays a critical role in implementing government policies and must embrace modern technology to improve productivity and strengthen public confidence.

“Procurement lies at the heart of public service delivery. It determines how resources are allocated, how projects are executed, and ultimately, how development reaches our people,” he said.

The BPP boss stressed the importance of collaboration among government agencies to ensure a seamless transition to digital operations, noting that the reforms align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at building a responsive and citizen-focused public sector.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the sensitisation workshop formed part of the Commission’s efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, deepen knowledge and adopt innovative governance solutions in line with global best practices.

He stated that the NDDC was committed to implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda in the Niger Delta region and commended the BPP for supporting the Commission and facilitating the speedy completion of projects.
Ogbuku said the workshop came at a critical period when public institutions across the country were embracing reforms to improve governance systems, eliminate inefficiencies and enhance public trust.

He noted that equipping stakeholders, contractors and service providers with the necessary knowledge would accelerate development and create lasting value in the Niger Delta.

“We are not only reforming, but we are also transforming the Niger Delta region,” he said.
The NDDC managing director explained that the transition from manual, paper-based systems to a digital procurement platform would improve accessibility, reduce delays and minimise opportunities for corruption.

According to him, digitising procurement processes goes beyond technology adoption and represents a key governance reform designed to promote transparency, improve service delivery and ensure responsible management of public resources.

Earlier, the NDDC Director of Procurement, Dr Chuks Osuji, described the reform and digitisation initiative as a critical step towards improving workflow, eliminating inefficiencies and ensuring accountability in the Commission’s procurement activities.

Osuji said all contractors doing business with the NDDC would henceforth engage with the Commission through the online procurement platform, which would also provide an effective feedback mechanism for stakeholders.

Speaking on behalf of contractors and consultants, Dr Maraizu Uche welcomed the initiative and pledged their cooperation to ensure a smooth transition to the digital system.

He, however, appealed to the Commission to review its payment process to address delays in settling executed contracts.

The training workshop, themed “Promoting Best Procurement Practices and Digital System for the NDDC,” was held across the nine Niger Delta states.