NDDC pledges strict adherence to procurement law, expands e-procurement system

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act, saying adherence to due process remains critical to transparency, accountability and effective project delivery in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking during a capacity-building training on public procurement for NDDC executive management and directors in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Managing Director of the commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the agency was strengthening internal processes to ensure that procurement activities align with established regulations and best practices.

Ogbuku noted that the commission had digitised its contract award letter system to curb the circulation of fake award documents, which he said had previously created challenges for both officials and contractors.

According to him, the NDDC’s adoption of an electronic procurement system is aimed at reducing corruption risks, improving accountability and minimising errors associated with manual processes.

He expressed confidence that the digital procurement platform would enhance efficiency and transparency in contract administration while supporting the commission’s development mandate.

The NDDC boss urged directors to strictly follow approved procurement plans and ensure that requests and project proposals conform with budgetary provisions and the region’s development priorities.

He stressed that procurement decisions should be guided by the commission’s annual needs assessment and strategic objectives, adding that every director must possess a clear understanding of procurement procedures.

Ogbuku also called for prudence in the management of public resources, describing sacrifice and accountability as essential values in public service.

In his remarks, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, highlighted the importance of continuous capacity development for public officials responsible for managing government funds.

Similarly, the Director of Procurement, Dr Chuks Osuji, said the training was designed to strengthen the knowledge and competencies of procurement professionals, project managers, finance officers and other stakeholders involved in the procurement process.

He stated that the commission remained committed to promoting integrity, transparency and excellence in procurement through sustained investment in capacity-building initiatives.

Delivering an overview of public procurement in Nigeria, former Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Engr. Emeka Eze, described procurement as a preventive tool against corruption rather than merely a mechanism for detecting it.

Eze noted that procurement remains one of the most corruption-prone areas of government activity and urged public officials to adhere strictly to established rules and procedures.

He emphasised that transparency, integrity, openness, fairness, competition and accountability should remain the guiding principles of public procurement.

The procurement expert also commended the NDDC for embracing e-procurement, describing the initiative as a significant step towards improving governance and strengthening public confidence in the commission’s operations.